Brands
Wiggles acquires 100 per cent stake of Capt Zack
Mumbai: Fuelled by its commitment to creating a robust 360-degree pet care ecosystem that is backed by veterinary science, pet care brand, Wiggles has announced the acquisition of Capt Zack. In a 100 per cent cash and equity deal, the acquisition is the first in India’s burgeoning pet care start-up economy. The acquisition is also the first of its kind wherein an Indian pet care start-up acquires another homegrown brand, further fuelling growth for the sector. Founded in 2016, Capt Zack is one of India’s earlier D2C entrants in the pet care category. The acquisition will not only enable Wiggles to grow its presence but also reaffirms the brands’ leadership and promise towards pets and animals.
Speaking on the acquisition, Wiggles founder and CEO Anushka Iyer said, “We set out with an ambition to create a pet care ecosystem par excellence, tailored for Indian pets and animals. We have successfully launched category disruptive products, and services, earned trust, and revolutionised pet care in its true sense with our veterinary-first strategy, distinctive to Wiggles. As a brand, the values that Capt Zack operates with are synonymous with Wiggles. We firmly believe this acquisition will provide an impetus to our efforts and accelerate the momentum for new product development and launches, while strengthening distribution. We welcome Mohit and the team at Capt Zack to the Wiggles family. We are elated with a development of this scale and look forward to leading India’s pet care story with quality and science.”
Capt Zack is known for its diverse portfolio of chemical-free, natural, safe, and easy-to-use ISO-certified products for cats and dogs spanning hygiene, food, treats, etc. Its portfolio also includes accessories, toys, and beds thus enabling Wiggles to expand into newer categories. Given Capt Zack’s strong presence in the category of grooming essentials, Wiggles will continue to invest in R&D to develop and grow this segment further. Capt Zack was the first in India to have pet products clinically tested on sensitive human skin and offer veterinary licensed products. The acquisition will accelerate Wiggles’ growth and bolster the brand’s footprint in newer categories and markets.
Capt Zack founder Mohit Lalvani further added, “It is the shared vision of Capt Zack and Wiggles’, that is the real winner. We are humbled on becoming a part of a brand that has achieved so much in a short span. The value that Wiggles introduced for pet parents is commendable. Given the substantial growth of pet ownership in the country, we are certain that the future is exciting and filled with innovation. We look forward to working with Anushka and the team as we march towards building India’s first holistic pet care ecosystem.”
Over the last year, Wiggles has experienced over 100 per cent growth across its products and services while serving and caring for over 700,000 pets and animals across India.
Brands
Samsung India elevates Aditya Babbar to lead mobile business
Exec takes charge of MX sales and marketing after Raju Pullan’s exit
NEW DELHI: Samsung India has elevated Aditya Babbar to lead its mobile phone business, following the exit of Raju Antony Pullan.
Babbar, who previously served as vice president within the mobile division, has been appointed head of sales and marketing for the MX (mobile experience) business, effective May 1. In his new role, he will oversee the company’s sales and marketing operations for smartphones and related categories in India, reporting to the executive vice president of the MX business.
A long-time Samsung executive, Babbar brings over a decade of experience within the organisation, having held multiple leadership roles across product, marketing and category management. Most recently, he led product marketing and e-commerce for the mobile division, following earlier stints as head of product and marketing and senior director roles.
His career within Samsung Electronics and its India operations has also included responsibilities for flagship devices, tablets and wearables, giving him a broad view of the company’s premium and mass-market portfolio.
Babbar succeeds Pullan, who stepped down from the role, marking a leadership transition at a time when India remains a key battleground for global smartphone makers.
The appointment signals continuity within Samsung’s leadership bench, with an internal candidate stepping up to steer one of its most critical business units in a highly competitive market.
