Brands
Ugro Capital buys Profectus Capital in all-cash deal worth Rs 1,400 crore to boost MSME play
MUMBAI: Ugro Capital has pulled off a serious power play in India’s NBFC sector. The MSME-focused Datatech lender announced it would acquire 100 per cent of Profectus Capital in an all-cash deal worth Rs 1,400 crore. The transaction, funded through UGRO’s recently raised equity proceeds, is expected to add Rs 150 crore in annualised profits and Rs 115 crore in cost savings.
This strategic buyout adds immediate heft to Ugro’s balance sheet with a 29 per cent AUM spike and gives the lender a stronger foothold in high-yield emerging markets and school financing—the latter alone carrying a medium-term potential of Rs 2,000 crore. The deal also diversifies Ugro’s asset mix, leaning further into secured lending with zero incremental origination cost.
As part of the transaction, Ugro signed a share purchase agreement to acquire Profectus Capital Private Limited from its existing shareholders, making the company a wholly owned subsidiary. The acquisition is subject to customary approvals, including clearance from the RBI and shareholders.
“This strategically priced acquisition deploys our equity raise to achieve instant scale and Rs 115 crores cost savings and annualised incremental profitability of Rs 150 Crores thus boosting ROA by 0.6–0.7 per cent. Integrating Profectus’ school finance expertise unlocks Rs 2,000 Crores growth potential and strengthens our secured asset mix – accelerating our journey to become India’s largest MSME lender through enhanced emerging markets and embedded finance capabilities”, said Ugro Capital founder & MD Shachindra Nath.
Profectus Capital currently manages Rs 3,468 crore in assets across a seven-state footprint, supported by a 28-branch network and over 800 employees. Its gross NPA stands at 1.6 per cent, with a net NPA of 1.1 per cent.
Profectus Capital ED & CEO K.V. Srinivasan added, “The coming together of the two organisations would be beneficial owing to the synergies and complementarity of the businesses, which should result in greater operational efficiency and profitability for the business. We at Profectus, thank our investors for their unwavering commitment and support throughout our journey, which has helped us to establish a very strong process-oriented business with an excellent portfolio quality”.
Both companies will retain their existing operations and business strategies during the integration phase.
Incred Capital acted as the exclusive advisor to Ugro Capital, with SNG & Partners serving as legal counsel. Pricewaterhousecoopers Services LLP conducted the financial due diligence, while Legacy Growthpartners handled the tax due diligence.
Brands
Lotus Herbals unveils HydroActivated sunscreen with high-impact campaign
Harnaaz Sandhu fronts digital push spotlighting breakthrough sun care tech
MUMBAI: Lotus Herbals has rolled out a high-decibel marketing campaign to introduce what it calls India’s first hydro-activated sunscreen, aiming to reshape how consumers think about sun protection.
At the centre of the launch is the Safe Sun HydroActivated Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA+++, a formulation built on a patent-pending Hydrosome Technology that activates on contact with moisture. Unlike conventional sunscreens that can weaken with sweat, this product is designed to do the opposite, boosting protection when the skin is exposed to water or perspiration.
The campaign is led by Harnaaz Sandhu and is being amplified across OTT platforms, social media and outdoor locations in key metro cities. The brand film takes a light, relatable approach to everyday sunscreen struggles such as uneven application and fading protection, while positioning the new product as a reliable, high-performance alternative for active lifestyles.
Beyond its core technology, the sunscreen features next-generation UV filters and Edelweiss Flower Extract, offering hydration alongside protection. The formula claims up to 10 hours of water resistance and even, all-round defence against sun exposure and tanning, targeting consumers who want both skincare and performance in one product.
Speaking about the launch, Lotus Herbals chairman and managing director Nitin Passi said, “We are excited to launch India’s first sunscreen with hydroactivated technology which is our most innovative product launch. This isn’t just a sunscreen; it’s a technological breakthrough that utilises a novel manufacturing process. We’ve created a product that stays invisible on the skin yet becomes a performance powerhouse when the user is most active.”
Sharing her experience, Lotus Herbals brand ambassador Harnaaz Sandhu said, “I am thrilled to be associated with Lotus Herbals Safe Sun for their new sun protection campaign. In my world, there is no room for shortcuts, and I need functional and reliable products that work as hard as I do. The hydroactivated sunscreen is a game-changer because it blends with my skin and protects me better when I’m pushing my limits.”
The campaign is being distributed across platforms including JioStar connected TV integrations and ZEE5, along with television placements such as Sa Re Ga Ma Pa in West Bengal. A large influencer push involving over a thousand creators, along with in-store branding and retail activations, is also part of the rollout.
With a blend of science-led positioning and mass-market storytelling, Lotus Herbals is betting on innovation to stand out in the crowded sun care segment, hoping its moisture-powered promise strikes the right chord with today’s always-on consumers.
