Life after SWC for Vangal

Katra Liquor, the company floated by Ramesh Vangal, is looking at the road ahead after dropping out of the race to acquire the spirits business of Shaw Wallace which was eventually picked up by UB Group.

The company is now looking at strengthing Mason & Summers, an operating firm which it acquired in Scotland and has now been incorporated in India. It has also established a relationship with global spirits major Inver House for supply of quality spirits.

A spokesperson for Mason & Summers said that they are looking at launching five more brands this year, after having recently launched two.

"We are looking at strengthening our existing brands and put our monies in building a good portfolio under the M&S umbrella. Whisky is a big market in India and we plan to be pretty active here."

He added that the company will also look at licensing other global brands into India, if an opportunity comes.

Besides this, market sources indicate that Newbridge Capital is also looking at investing in Vangal's firm to fuel its growth plans. The company offered no comments on this issue. Vangal had roped in Newbridge when he was actively bidding for the spirits business of Shaw Wallace.

"There appears to be a strong interest from Newbridge to associate themselves with experience Vangal brings to the liquor business," an industry analyst noted. Vangal introduced Seagram to India as its first chief executive.

The company, which is looking at a turnover of Rs 50 crore for the next year, is "putting in place extensive business plans to fuel the growth. We currently have six partners in India who are bottling for us and we will gradually widen this presence as demand grows. At present, we are highly focussed on IMFL," he added.