IGI India Board Approves USD 18 Million Investment in Subsidiaries for Global Expansion

2 min read     Updated on 31 Jan 2026, 11:48 PM
scanx
Reviewed by
Radhika SScanX News Team
Overview

International Gemmological Institute (India) Limited's board approved USD 18 million in strategic investments across its subsidiary network on January 31, 2026. The plan includes USD 9 million investment in IGI Belgium, which will invest USD 9 million in IGI USA to acquire AGL Holdco Inc. This creates a global certification platform combining IGI's market reach with AGL's colored gemstone expertise, with completion expected within two months.

31429093

*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.

International Gemmological Institute (India) Limited (International Gemmological Institute) announced significant investment approvals following its Board of Directors meeting held on January 31, 2026. The board approved a comprehensive USD 18 million investment strategy across its subsidiary network to strengthen its global certification platform.

Board Approvals and Investment Structure

The Board of Directors, based on Audit Committee recommendations, approved two major investment decisions during the meeting that commenced at 4:00 p.m. and concluded at 4:09 p.m.

Investment Details: Amount Structure
IGI India to IGI Belgium: USD 9,000,000 Securities subscription
IGI Belgium to IGI USA: USD 9,000,000 Securities subscription
Total Investment: USD 18,000,000 Multi-tranche execution

Both investments will be executed in one or more tranches from time-to-time through subscription of securities in the respective subsidiaries.

Subsidiary Network and Business Operations

International Gemmological Institute BV (IGI Belgium) serves as a wholly-owned subsidiary of IGI India, incorporated on June 30, 1975. IGI Belgium operates diamond, gemstone, and studded jewelry certification services along with gemmological institute services.

IGI Belgium Performance: FY 2023 FY 2024
Standalone Turnover: INR 440.22 million INR 391.05 million
Consolidated Turnover: Not specified INR 1,328.26 million

International Gemological Institute Inc. (IGI USA), incorporated on March 26, 1979, operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of IGI Belgium and step-down subsidiary of IGI India.

IGI USA Performance: FY 2023 FY 2024
Turnover: INR 1,075.52 million INR 940.06 million

Strategic Acquisition Objective

The investment funds will support IGI USA's acquisition of 100% share capital in AGL Holdco Inc, making it a wholly-owned subsidiary of IGI USA. This strategic move aims to create a global certification platform combining:

  • IGI's industry-leading scale, infrastructure, and market reach
  • AGL's deep scientific expertise and pioneering leadership in colored gemstones
  • Enhanced trust, transparency, and innovation across the global gem and jewelry industry
  • Preservation of scientific independence and integrity for both organizations

Related Party Transactions and Compliance

Both investments constitute related party transactions as IGI Belgium and IGI USA are subsidiaries whose accounts consolidate with IGI India. The investments are based on independent valuer reports and conducted on arm's length basis. The promoter company BCP Asia II Top Co. Pte. Ltd., being IGI India's holding company, makes both IGI Belgium and IGI USA step-down subsidiaries of the promoter.

Implementation Timeline

The company indicated a two-month timeframe for completion of both investment tranches. All investments will be executed through cash consideration, with IGI India maintaining 100% shareholding in IGI Belgium and continuing 100% shareholding in IGI USA through IGI Belgium.

IGI Announces USD 13.2 Million Acquisition of American Gemological Laboratories Through Step-Down Subsidiary

2 min read     Updated on 31 Jan 2026, 07:16 PM
scanx
Reviewed by
Naman SScanX News Team
Overview

International Gemmological Institute (India) Limited announced the acquisition of AGL Holdco Inc and American Gemological Laboratories through step-down subsidiary IGI USA for USD 13.2 million. The transaction, approved on January 31, 2026, involves USD 9 million at closing and USD 4.2 million post-closing. AGL, founded in 1977 with FY 2024 turnover of USD 3.85 million, specializes in colored gemstone certification and will continue operating independently while gaining access to IGI's global network for expansion beyond the US market.

31412774

*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.

International Gemmological Institute (India) Limited has announced a strategic acquisition that will significantly expand its presence in the colored gemstone certification market. The company's board of directors approved the acquisition of AGL Holdco Inc and its subsidiary American Gemological Laboratories (AGL) through step-down subsidiary IGI USA on January 31, 2026.

Transaction Structure and Financial Details

The acquisition involves IGI USA purchasing 100% stake in AGL Holdco Inc from sellers Christopher P Smith and Helene Smith. The total consideration amounts to USD 13.2 million, structured as follows:

Payment Component: Amount (USD) Timing
Initial Payment: 9.00 million At closing, subject to SPA adjustments
Deferred Payment: 4.20 million Post-closing, subject to conditions
Total Consideration: 13.20 million Cash consideration

The transaction is expected to complete within 2 months and does not require any governmental or regulatory approvals. Following completion, AGL Holdco will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of IGI USA and a step-down subsidiary of IGI Belgium and IGI India.

Target Company Profile

American Gemological Laboratories, founded in 1977 and headquartered in New York's gem and jewelry district, specializes in comprehensive colored gemstone analysis. The company has demonstrated consistent growth in recent years:

Financial Year: Turnover (USD Million)
FY 2022: 2.95*
FY 2023: 3.10*
FY 2024: 3.85

*Based on tax returns

AGL is recognized as a pioneer in the colored gemstone industry, being the first gemological laboratory in the USA to issue country-of-origin reports and the first globally to quantify colored stone quality in a comparative manner. The company provides detailed identification and enhancement reports, country-of-origin reports, and complete colored stone analysis documents for gems of unique importance.

Strategic Rationale and Business Impact

The acquisition creates a comprehensive global certification platform combining IGI's industry-leading scale and infrastructure with AGL's specialized expertise in colored gemstones. Key strategic benefits include:

  • Market Expansion: IGI gains access to the fast-growing colored gemstone segment and expands its addressable market
  • Revenue Diversification: The transaction diversifies IGI's revenue streams beyond its traditional diamond certification business
  • Global Reach: AGL will gain access to IGI's global infrastructure to expand colored gemstone certification services beyond the US market
  • Scientific Excellence: The combined entity will leverage AGL's deep scientific expertise and pioneering leadership in colored gemstones

Operational Continuity and Leadership

Christopher Smith will continue as President and Chief Gemologist of AGL, ensuring business continuity and maintaining the laboratory's scientific independence. AGL will remain headquartered in New York and operate independently under its established brand while benefiting from IGI's global network and resources. No immediate operational changes are planned, with both organizations committed to maintaining existing technical standards and client service levels.

Market Positioning

The transaction strengthens strategic linkages between the United States, the world's largest market for fine jewelry and colored gemstones, and India, a global hub for gemstone manufacturing and certification. The combined platform positions the group to serve the global gemstone trade with enhanced scale, scientific capability, and geographic reach, addressing evolving market demands for provenance, transparency, and consistency in gemstone certification.

More News on International Gemmological Institute