Brands
KFC and Pizza Hut get single India owner as Devyani, Sapphire Foods merge
MUMBAI: Devyani International and Sapphire Foods have agreed to merge, creating a single, unified franchisee for Yum! Brands’ KFC and Pizza Hut businesses in India, in a consolidation that reshapes the country’s quick-service restaurant landscape.
The boards of both companies approved a scheme under which Sapphire Foods will merge into Devyani International through a share-swap, with Devyani issuing 177 equity shares for every 100 shares held in Sapphire. The transaction is subject to regulatory, shareholder and tribunal approvals and is expected to take 12–15 months to complete.
Once closed, the combined entity will rank among India’s largest QSR operators, with a nationwide footprint and franchise rights across the entire Indian market for KFC and Pizza Hut, alongside an expanded presence in Sri Lanka.
Yum! Brands has cleared the consolidation and agreed to revised commercial terms, including enhanced waivers to accelerate store expansion, the transfer of 19 KFC outlets in Hyderabad to Devyani, and a one-time payment covering merger approval and additional territory licence fees.
The strategic play is unapologetically about scale. Management expects sharper execution from a unified brand strategy, procurement savings, tighter supply chains and leaner overheads. Devyani estimates annual synergies of Rs 210–225 crore from the second full year
of integrated operations, with full integration targeted within 15–18 months of completion.
Devyani International non-executive chairman Ravi Jaipuria, called the deal a “decisive leap”that positions the group as Yum!’s sole long-term partner for KFC and Pizza Hut in India. Samara Capital SFIL nominee director and founder Sumeet Narang, said the merger fulfils the vision of building a scaled, institutionally strong QSR platform in a high-growth market.
For Yum!, the message is equally clear. India remains a priority battleground, and backing a single, financially stronger franchisee is seen as the fastest route to growth in a fiercely competitive eating-out economy.
(Note: The cover image is AI-generated and is meant for representational purposes only.)
Brands
RR Kabel expands FMEG portfolio with kitchen appliances and air coolers
Company forays into mixers, cooktops and hand blenders under RR Signature brand.
MUMBAI: RR Kabel has just cooked up something new and it’s not just another wire. The leading wires and cables manufacturer has announced a significant expansion of its Fast-Moving Electrical Goods (FMEG) portfolio by entering the kitchen appliances segment and strengthening its air coolers range under the premium RR Signature brand. The company has introduced Mixer Grinders, Electric Cooktops (both Induction and Infra-Red variants), and Hand Blenders. These products mark RR Kabel’s strategic foray into everyday kitchen essentials, allowing it to reach deeper into Indian households beyond traditional electrical categories.
The Induction and Infra-Red Cooktops are seeing particularly strong demand amid global developments affecting LPG pricing and supply. Consumers are increasingly shifting to electric cooking for its energy efficiency, precise control, and safety features. RR Signature is reinforcing its ‘Aapke Kaam Ki Baat’ promise with best-in-class warranties across the range.
The company also plans to introduce additional kitchen appliance categories in FY26-27. In parallel, it has expanded its Air Cooler portfolio with new Industrial (Semi-Commercial) models featuring higher tank capacities and superior air throw, catering to both commercial users and households seeking powerful cooling during intensifying summers.
RR Kabel executive director Mahhesh Kabra said, “Our expansion into kitchen appliances allows us to connect with consumers at more touchpoints in their daily lives, while our expanded air cooler range addresses the rising need for effective cooling solutions. These launches reflect our continued focus on quality, innovation, and market relevance.”
By stepping into kitchen appliances and enhancing its cooling solutions, RR Kabel is wiring itself more deeply into Indian homes proving that even a cables company knows how to heat things up in the kitchen and keep things cool elsewhere. The move positions the brand for broader growth as it evolves from wires to a more complete home solutions player.
