MAM
P&G launches ‘New Pantene’, Lara Dutta brand ambassador
MUMBAI: P&G today announced the launch of a new shampoo – New Pantene – positioned as a one-step solution shampoo that contains coconut oil and promises to makes hair strong.
New Pantene was launched by former Miss Universe and Bollywood actor and now Pantene Brand Ambassador Lara Dutta.
Giving a perspective on the signing of Dutta as brand ambassador Pantene, associate marketing director Rahul Malhotra said, “Pantene has always believed that only hair that is strong from inside, looks beautiful from the outside. Likewise, Lara is a beauty icon who radiates inner strength too – be it through her being crowned Miss Universe, her role as global UN ambassador or her belief in fitness and nutrition and therefore is a true embodiment of Pantene’s character and its promise to consumers.”
To educate consumers on the benefits of this new product, P&G has launched ‘Pantene Strength Stations’ in Mumbai. ‘Pantene Strength Stations’ are hair care booths and your one-stop solution to every tress concern. Pantene Hair care experts present at each station conduct hair strength tests.
Over the next few weeks, the ‘Pantene Strength Stations’ will also be launched in In Orbit Mall, Malad.
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.
