Brands
Festive cheer runs on fast-track loans this year
MUMBAI: Loans are getting festive makeovers! This season, it’s not the lowest interest rate that’s stealing shoppers’ hearts, but how fast the money hits their accounts. A new survey by Paisabazaar reveals that borrowers are now choosing lenders who can deliver funds at lightning speed, with 42 per cent prioritising instant disbursal and hassle-free digital processes over cheaper rates.
The survey, conducted among over 10,200 respondents, paints a picture of convenience-first borrowing. While 25 per cent still chase the best rate, the rest are swiping right on simplicity, opting for platforms that make the process swift, paperless, and seamless.
Digital finance clearly has its fanbase, 80 per cent of respondents said they prefer guided online marketplaces like Paisabazaar to compare and apply for loans. Over half of them (53 per cent) believe faster approvals and disbursals would make borrowing even smoother.
“The growing comfort among consumers to take personal loans, not just for essentials, but for aspirations, lifestyle, and festive spends, shows a more confident and mature credit mindset,” said Paisabazaar CEO Santosh Agarwal.
And what are people borrowing for? Home renovation and furnishing topped the charts at 18 per cent, followed by shopping, gadgets, and gifts at 15 per cent. Gold and jewellery (12 per cent), debt consolidation (10 per cent), and fashion and lifestyle (10 per cent) rounded out the festive wish list.
Interestingly, nearly 60 per cent of borrowers took loans below Rs 5 lakh, and 42 per cent opted for repayment tenures under five years, proof that India’s festive spirit is being powered by smart, manageable credit. Looks like when it comes to personal loans, speed and simplicity are the new sparkle of the season.
Brands
Magnum Ice Cream Netherlands takes control of Kwality Wall’s India from Unilever
61.9 per cent stake transfer reshapes ownership as Unilever exits promoter role
MUMBAI: Kwality Wall’s (India) Limited has entered a new chapter, with The Magnum Ice Cream Company HoldCo 1 Netherlands B.V. acquiring a controlling 61.9 per cent stake from a clutch of Unilever PLC-led entities, marking a significant shift in ownership.
The transaction, completed on March 30, 2026, follows a share purchase agreement signed in June 2025. The incoming promoter picked up over 145 crore equity shares, effectively taking control of the company and being formally classified as its new promoter under regulatory norms.
As part of the deal, the outgoing promoter group, including Unilever Group Limited and its affiliated entities, has fully exited its shareholding in the company. They have now been reclassified from promoter to public shareholders, closing a long-standing association with the ice cream business in India.
The board of Kwality Wall’s (India) Limited took note of the ownership change and approved a series of leadership updates alongside it. Ritesh Tiwari stepped down as director, while Abhijit Bhattacharya was appointed as chairperson and additional non-executive director. Tahir Toloy Tanridagli also joined the board as an additional non-executive director.
The reshuffle signals a broader strategic reset as the Magnum-led entity looks to steer the brand’s next phase of growth in India. The transition has been carried out in line with regulatory requirements, including disclosures tied to the open offer and reclassification norms under market regulations.
With Unilever stepping back and Magnum stepping in, Kwality Wall’s India is effectively getting a fresh scoop of leadership and direction. The coming months will reveal how the new promoter plans to scale the brand in one of the world’s most competitive ice cream markets.
