FMCG major Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) has completed the acquisition of a 90.5 percent stake in Uprising Science, parent company of personal care brand Minimalist for Rs 2,706 crore ($318 million).

Last month, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) had approved HUL’s proposal to acquire a majority stake in the brand.

“The company has completed the acquisition of 90.5 percent shareholding of Uprising through a combination of primary infusion and secondary acquisition for a total cash consideration of Rs 2,706 crore in accordance with the terms and conditions of the SPSA,” HUL said in a regulatory filing.

“With this, Uprising Science and its subsidiaries have now become subsidiaries of HUL,” it added.

HUL plans to acquire the remaining 9.5 percent stake in the business from its founding brothers Mohit and Rahul Yadav in the coming two years.

Founded in 2018, Minimalist offers skincare, haircare, and body care products. It retails through its e-commerce website, online marketplaces, Nykaa’s offline stores, general beauty trade outlets, and independent pharmacy stores.

Author Credits- Maverick Martins, FASHION NETWORK

The rise of e-commerce and participation in international trade expos have emerged as key platforms for promoting a wide range of Filipino export products, an official of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) of the Philippines has said.

According to lawyer Maria Katrina D Rivera, assistant director at the DTI’s Export Marketing Bureau (EMB), Filipino entrepreneurs are leveraging technology and global networking events to meet the growing demand for food products and personal care items in markets like the Middle East.

In an EMB report, Rivera stated that e-commerce has gained significant momentum across the globe, citing the Middle East, which is home to hundreds of thousands of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

“In 2023, the distribution of OFWs across countries worldwide indicated Asia (77.4%), North and South America (9.8%), Europe (8.4%), Australia (3.0%), and Africa (1.3%) were the leading five destinations for OFWs,” stated the report.

The Middle East remains the top destination for OFWs, the report also stated, adding that “among Asian countries, Saudi Arabia was the leading destination, accounting for 20% of the total OFWs in 2023.”

The EMB report also emphasised the growing reliance on social media marketing and partnerships with influencers, as well as regional bloggers to connect with audiences. It further reported that subscription-based food deliveries and online shopping platforms are also becoming key channels for consumers in the Middle East.

“Although the e-commerce share of beauty and personal care retail sales remains relatively small in most countries, it is generally continuing to grow. While grocery retailers and health and beauty specialists still tend to dominate distribution, with small local grocers and department stores still playing a role in some countries, a gradual shift to omnichannel operations is being seen in the region,” the report explained.

The shift to e-commerce aligns with broader market trends, including the demand for sugar-reduced and plant-based food products, as well as clean beauty offerings, which reflect the region’s heightened focus on health and sustainability, the report stated, adding that “[there has been a] steady rise in health consciousness, a growing concern for the planet, and consumers [are] placing strong emphasis on supporting local businesses.”

According to Rivera, the participation of Filipino entrepreneurs in international trade expos, such as the ‘Gulfood Innovation Awards’ in Dubai has also been instrumental in showcasing the competitive edge of Philippine exports.

Rivera said Filipino companies have also received recognition for their unique and high-quality products, citing Lionheart Farms’ ‘Carbonated Coconut Flower Sap Drink Calamansi’ and Fisher Farms’ ‘Deboned Milkfish in Chili Spiced Coconut Cream’.

Author Credits- Peter Alagos, GULF TIMES

The partnership is expected to create new revenue streams and offer customers faster, more seamless access to retail products

ADNOC Distribution and digital platform noon have entered a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing last-mile delivery services and redefining quick-commerce in the UAE, the companies announced on Tuesday.

The partnership will see the establishment of new noon Minutes fulfilment hubs within ADNOC service stations across the UAE—home to the country’s largest network of retail locations. The collaboration aims to bring ADNOC Oasis convenience store products to customers via noon’s advanced, AI-powered logistics network, with deliveries promised in as little as 15 minutes.

“This partnership marks a new chapter in ADNOC Distribution’s transformation,” said Engineer Bader Saeed Al Lamki, CEO of ADNOC Distribution. “By combining our nationwide retail network with noon’s advanced digital and logistics capabilities, we are accelerating our journey to turn service stations into smart convenience hubs — powered by technology and focused on delivering real value.”

ADNOC Oasis products now available for doorstep delivery

The initiative will integrate ADNOC’s retail infrastructure with noon’s AI-driven systems that offer dynamic inventory management, personalised recommendations, and real-time delivery route optimisation.

ADNOC Oasis products will now be available for doorstep delivery through the ADNOC Distribution mobile app, fulfilled by noon riders.

“This collaboration is a major step forward in how we redefine convenience for customers in the UAE,” said noon CEO Faraz Khalid. “With ADNOC Distribution as a key strategic partner, noon is stronger and even better positioned to serve our customers.”

The move also supports ADNOC Distribution’s strategy to expand its non-fuel retail footprint, deepen digital integration, and adopt emerging technologies such as AI to streamline operations and improve customer experience.

noon minutes focused on ultra fast delivery

noon Minutes, the express delivery arm of noon, already operates ultra-fast fulfilment across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, delivering groceries, electronics, and essentials in under 15 minutes.

With 551 service stations and 373 Oasis convenience stores across all seven emirates, ADNOC Distribution operates the most extensive retail mobility network in the country.

The company also provides services such as EV charging, car washes, and lube changes.

The partnership is expected to create new revenue streams and offer customers faster, more seamless access to retail products.

News Credits- Gulf Business

Nike Inc. has appointed a new top strategy executive as its leadership team tries to turn things around at the world’s largest sportswear company.

Jennifer Hartley, a 14-year Nike veteran, has been named chief strategy officer and takes a place on Nike’s senior leadership team, according to an internal memo. A representative from Nike confirmed that she’ll start in the role this week.

The move comes as Chief Executive Officer Elliott Hill looks to stage a comeback for Nike, which is coming off a tough year of weak sales. Chief Financial Officer Matt Friend said in the memo that Hartley will work to “develop, drive and deliver Nike’s strategic agenda.”

Nike’s former chief strategy and transformation officer Daniel Heaf departed earlier this year after management decided to eliminate his role, and the teams he oversaw were integrated into the finance department.

News Credits- FASHION NETWORK

Suditi Industries Ltd has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Harsh Agarwal as the chief executive officer (CEO) of its kidswear brand, Gini & Jony.

Agarwal will succeed Prakash Lakhani, the founder and former CEO of the brand who will now transition into a mentorship role within the organisation.

In his new role, Agarwal will be engaged across all aspects of the business that include product development, retail operations, technology integration and customer interactions.

Commenting on his new role, Harsh Agarwal in a statement said, “As we embark on this next chapter, my commitment is clear: we will reimagine childhood through the lens of possibility. With courage, creativity, and care, we will make Gini & Jony the most trusted companion in every child’s story.”

Prakash Lakhani added, “Building Gini & Jony over the past four decades has been an incredibly fulfilling journey. I am immensely proud to now pass the leadership to Harsh, who brings both fresh perspectives and a profound respect for the brand’s heritage. I have complete confidence in his ability to lead Gini & Jony into an exciting future characterised by innovation, integrity, and genuine care.”

Founded in 1980 by the Lakhani brothers, Gini & Jony was acquired by Suditi Industries Ltd in 2024. The brand retails across India through its exclusive brand outlets, large format multi-brand stores, and e-commerce marketplaces.

Author Credits- Maverick Martins, FASHION NETWORK

Logistics major Delhivery has approached the Competition Commission of India to seek approval to acquire a 99.4% stake in Ecom Express for Rs 1,407 crore. In a joint notice, the companies stated that the proposed transaction would not affect market competition or alter existing dynamics in the logistics sector.

“At the outset, it is submitted that the relevant products and geographic markets can be left open, given that the proposed transaction will not lead to any change in the competitive dynamics, let alone cause any appreciable adverse effect on competition, in any market in India,” read the notice by the businesses, Inc42 reported.

While acknowledging overlaps in logistics services, express parcel delivery, and warehousing, the companies said they also share vertical relationships in intralogistics automation and downstream logistics services. The notice argued that the acquisition falls under Section 5(a) of the Competition Act, 2002, which requires regulatory clearance for combinations above specific thresholds.

“The proposed transaction reflects the Indian economy’s continuous requirement for improvements in cost efficiency, speed and reach of logistics,” said the applicants. “The proposed transaction will enable the parties to service their customers better, through continued investments in infrastructure, technology, network and people.”

Delhivery’s offer represents an 80% markdown from Ecom Express’ last valuation of Rs 7,300 crore in June, 2024. The deal follows a series of setbacks at Ecom Express, including the death of cofounder TA Krishnan, leadership churn, and the loss of key clients such as Meesho, Reliance, and Amazon.

Author Credits- Isabelle Crossley, FASHION NETWORK

April 22 (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration intends to press India to give online retailers such as Amazon (AMZN.O), opens new tab and Walmart (WMT.N), opens new tab full access to its $125 billion e-commerce market, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday, citing industry executives, lobbyists and U.S. government officials.

The U.S. plans to push Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government for a level playing field on e-commerce in wide-ranging talks on a U.S.-India trade agreement set to also cover sectors from food to cars, the newspaper reported.

It did not mention what measures the Trump administration expects from the Indian government.

Amazon and Walmart operate in India through local units but face restrictions on holding inventory and directly selling to consumers, unlike domestic firm Reliance (RELI.NS), opens new tab, which can open physical stores and leverage its vast retail network to reach customers across the country.

Amazon and Walmart did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.

India and U.S. are in the middle of chalking out a trade deal as part of New Delhi’s efforts to avoid U.S. tariffs.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance also met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, as officials in New Delhi expect to clinch a trade deal with the U.S. within the 90-day pause on tariff hikes announced by Trump on April 9 for major trading partners.

News Credits- Reuters

April 22 (Reuters) – Flipkart will shift its holding company from Singapore to India, the e-commerce company said on Tuesday, as its parent Walmart aims to take the 17-year-old company public.

Many Indian startups that once chose to be based abroad for better access to capital and smaller tax bills are now queuing to return home from financial hubs such as Singapore and the U.S. due to better initial public offering (IPO) prospects in a country that does not allow dual listings.

“This move represents a natural evolution, aligning our holding structure with our core operations,” Flipkart said in a statement.

Flipkart started in 2007 by selling books online and expanded into a behemoth that competes with Amazon (AMZN.O), opens new tab in India. It moved its holding company to Singapore in 2011.

Walmart bought a controlling stake in Flipkart in 2018, which also gave it ownership of PhonePe, a digital payments company owned by Flipkart at the time.

In 2022, PhonePe separated from Flipkart and shifted its headquarters from Singapore to India, a move that left Walmart with a tax bill of nearly $1 billion.

Walmart is looking to list Flipkart and PhonePe in India over the next couple of years, Dan

Bartlett, Walmart’s executive vice president for corporate affairs, told Reuters last year.
PhonePe has already begun preparatory steps for a public listing on India’s stock exchanges.

Financial technology firms Razorpay and Pine Labs, quick commerce startup Zepto and advertising technology company InMobi are among startups that have already shifted, or are in the process of shifting, back to India.

News Credits- Reuters

Supergoop, a global skincare brand has partnered with multi-brand beauty retailer Nykaa for its entry into the Indian market.

With this partnership, Supergoop products will be available across Nykaa’s e-commerce website, Nykaa Luxe, and Nykaa’s select retail stores.

Commenting on the launch, Anchit Nayar, executive director CEO of Nykaa Beauty in a statement said, “With Supergoop’s innovative, skincare-first formulations, we aim to turn sun protection from an afterthought into a seamless and daily habit. As Supergoop’s exclusive partner in India, we are excited for our consumers to try these globally loved products that provide next-generation sun protection that are effective and effortless.”

Holly Thaggard, founder of Supergoop added, “20 years ago, I launched Supergoop to change the way the world thinks about sunscreen, and I am super excited to partner with Nykaa to bring this mission to India, a land of heritage and energy. Our feel-good, game-changing daily SPF formulas are clean, efficacious, and created with UV-protecting ingredients – perfect for both city and country living.”

Supergoop sun protection lineup includes glowscreen, unseen, mattescreen, play everyday lotion, glow stick, sunscreen spray, and mineral powder.

Author Credits- Maverick Martins, FASHION NETWORK