JM Financial Private Equity, has finalised an investment of Rs. 450 million in Energy Beverages Pvt. Ltd. Energy Beverages Private Limited owns a national bottled water brand, “Clear.”
With a pan-India footprint, the company is strategically expanding its distribution across the nation. Proceeds from the investment will support brand-building initiatives and enhance the existing capacities and distribution network of the company, as per a company release.
Darius Pandole, MD & CEO, Private Equity, JM Financial, said, “The Indian bottled water market is highly under-penetrated and fragmented, and we are witnessing a structural shift in consumption from the unorganised to the organised market, owing to factors like hygiene and a general rise in health awareness in a post-covid world.”
Nayan Shah, Founder and CEO, Energy Beverages Pvt. Ltd., said, “The capital infusion and partnership with JM Financial Private Equity will help us fast-track our current and future expansion plans. Our focus is on crafting a preeminent bottled water brand synonymous with trust and quality.”
This is the fifth investment from Fund III and is in line with its stated strategy of investing in growth-oriented companies in the mid-market space, according to the company release. JM Financial Private Equity had earlier invested in brands such as PharmEasy, Sliverpush, and others.
In 2023, Energy Beverages Private Limited also launched NU by CLEAR, a natural mineral water brand in India. The packaged water industry in India is blooming. A UN report shows that in 2021, India was the 12th largest bottle water consumer. Brands such as Bisleri, Kinley, and Aquafina continue to remain the top players in this segment.
