MAM
Warner to play Looney Tunes with Mastercard in China
MUMBAI: Time Warner continues to expand its presence in China. Its consumer products division and the Bank of China’s (BOC) credit card division have announced the launch of the first Looney Tunes MasterCard and mini Looney Tunes Mastercard in Hong Kong.
The new card comes in two classic Looney Tunes designs and is accompanied by a mini card. The choices featuring Looney Tunes include a Tweety emblazoned Mastercard, accompanied by a mini card featuring Sylvester, or a Mastercard featuring Bugs Bunny, paired with a mini card featuring Taz.
With its innovative design, the mini cards are easily portable and can be added directly to a keychain for easy retrieval. The mini card also comes with a carrying case to showcase the cards design. Both cards are linked to the same account, which ensures easy account management.
Until 31 August 2004, each applicant will be eligible for a three year annual waiver, and will also receive a free gift. Through purchases, transfers, or cash advances, new cardholders can receive gifts such as a Looney Tunes Bean Bag after they have accrued HK$3,000 or a Tweety MP3 Player after HK$5,000.
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.
