What a Rs 35-bn health food drink called Horlicks may mean to its bidders

ITC wants to expand its FMCG play and HUL has said food & refreshments is a strategic priority

The country's largest beverage maker, Coca-Cola India, is the latest name on the list of probable companies to acquire Horlicks, the Rs 35-billion health food drink put on the block by British major GlaxoSmithKline as part of a strategic review of its consumer health care business in India.
 
Coca-Cola's entry not only puts the spotlight on the company, but also some of the other players in the ring. Among the strongest likely contenders are firms such as Nestle, ITC and Hindustan Unilever (HUL), said experts, though names such as Danone, Dabur, Mondelez and Abbott Healthcare have also figured on