United Spirits to Fully Acquire NAO Spirits in ₹130-Crore Deal, Boosting Craft Gin Portfolio
United Spirits (USL) has announced plans to acquire 100% ownership of NAO Spirits & Beverages, maker of premium Indian craft gin brands, for ₹130 crore. The acquisition will be completed in stages, with USL's stake increasing from 30% to 97.07% initially, and is expected to conclude by June 2026. This move strengthens USL's position in the premium gin segment, giving it full control over popular craft gin brands 'Greater Than' and 'Hapusa'. The acquisition aligns with USL's strategy to expand in the growing premium gin market in India and is expected to create synergies in distribution and marketing.

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United Spirits (USL), a major player in the Indian alcoholic beverages market, has announced plans to acquire 100% ownership of NAO Spirits & Beverages, maker of premium Indian craft gin brands, for ₹130.00 crore. This move significantly strengthens USL's position in the premium gin segment and expands its craft gin portfolio.
Acquisition Details
The acquisition will be completed in stages, with the process expected to conclude by June 2026. Initially, USL's stake in NAO Spirits will increase from 30.00% to 97.07%. This phased approach allows for a smooth transition and integration of NAO Spirits into USL's operations.
Strategic Importance
This acquisition is a strategic move for United Spirits, aligning with its earlier decisions to invest in and expand its presence in the premium gin market. The deal will give USL full control over NAO Spirits' popular craft gin brands, including:
- 'Greater Than': A London Dry style gin
- 'Hapusa': A Himalayan Dry gin
These brands have gained significant popularity among gin enthusiasts for their quality and unique Indian flavor profiles.
Market Implications
The full acquisition of NAO Spirits underscores USL's commitment to capitalizing on the growing premium gin market in India. As consumer preferences in the Indian alcohol market continue to evolve, with increasing interest in premium and craft spirits, this move positions USL to meet changing demand effectively.
The integration of NAO Spirits into USL's portfolio is expected to create synergies in distribution and marketing, potentially leading to expanded market reach for the craft gin brands. Additionally, USL's resources and expertise could accelerate the growth and innovation within the NAO Spirits product line.
Industry Impact
This development marks a significant step in the consolidation of the Indian craft spirits industry. It demonstrates the growing interest of major players in the craft and premium segments of the alcohol market. The move could potentially set the stage for further innovations and investments in the premium alcoholic beverages segment in India.
As the craft gin movement gains momentum in India, USL's full ownership of NAO Spirits could provide the brands with the resources and reach to expand their market presence, both domestically and potentially in international markets.
This strategic acquisition by United Spirits reinforces its position as a key player in the evolving Indian spirits market and signals its intent to lead in the premium gin category.
Historical Stock Returns for United Spirits
1 Day | 5 Days | 1 Month | 6 Months | 1 Year | 5 Years |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
-1.94% | -2.97% | -9.60% | -15.62% | +10.46% | +133.71% |