MAM
Colgate is a likely $55 billion Unilever target: UniCredit
MUMBAI: The world‘s second-largest consumer-goods company should try to acquire Colgate-Palmolive Co, if it wants to increase sales growth in emerging markets and enlarge its personal-care unit, says an analyst at UniCredit SpA.
In a note dated 7 February, Nicolas Sochovsky, a London-based analyst at UniCredit, wrote that Colgate would probably cost about $55 billion. This would be 50 per cent more than its current market value of $36 billion.
The Colgate stock is trading at nine times earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization, and as cheap as it has been in a decade, Sochovsky wrote.
Acquisitions would be one of the quickest ways for Unilever to fulfill its target of doubling revenues, wrote Sochovsky.
Sochovsky also wrote Unilever could raise 10 billion euros of equity that can partially finance Colgate‘s acquisition. This can lead to an estimated debt-to-equity ratio of 3.7 times in the opening year of the deal, he said.
However Sochovsky also wrote that the debt can be reduced if Unilever is able to sell assets such as Colgate‘s Hill‘s pet food operation and Unilever‘s oral care operation.
MAM
PwC India announces leadership change in Deals practice
Shashank Jain steps down as co-leader after nearly three decades with the firm.
MUMBAI: When one dealmaker steps off the pitch, another is ready to take the baton because in the fast-moving world of transactions, the game never really stops. PwC India has announced a leadership transition in its Deals practice, with Shashank Jain stepping down from his role as co-leader to pursue an opportunity in the industry. The practice will continue to be led by Mohit Chopra, ensuring continuity and sustained growth momentum.
PwC India partner and leader for advisory dinesh Arora paid tribute to Jain’s contributions. “We deeply appreciate the significant contributions made by Shashank over close to three decades he has spent with PwC, particularly his defining role in shaping and strengthening our Transaction Services practice in India,” he said. Arora highlighted Jain’s support for clients through some of the most complex and significant transactions in the Indian market, noting his deep technical expertise, sound judgment and nuanced understanding of the evolving M&A landscape.
The Deals practice remains a key growth driver for PwC India, and the firm expects continued expansion under Mohit Chopra’s leadership. He will continue to guide clients through complex transactions and transformational business moments, building on the strong foundation established over the years.
Reflecting on his journey, Shashank Jain said, “I have had an exceptional journey at PwC. I owe my growth and learning to the nurturing environment and leadership development that PwC provided.” He added that he had been working closely with Mohit and the larger team to ensure a smooth transition and expressed confidence that Chopra would take the Deals practice to newer heights.
From intern to respected deals leader, Shashank Jain has clearly closed many successful transactions and now, it seems, he’s ready to strike a new deal of his own.
