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Chennai: Over-the-counter
(OTC) healthcare products manufacturer Amrutanjan Ltd has outlined plans to acquire
a few brands over the next one year, to facilitate vertical growth in the pain
management category of the healthcare segment. The
company is reportedly looking at a spend of around Rs20 crore for the planned
acquisitions, and is reported to be evaluating options both in India, as well
as overseas. The
company has strong product dependency, with around 80 per cent of Amrutanjan''s
revenues accrue from the sale of its standard yellow pain-reliving balm, and the
Amrutanjan Strong balm. This single product dependency is what the company would
most probably like to address with potential acquisition of other brands, and
a diversification of its product portfolio. Amrutanjan
is also mulling the launch of two new offerings, an olive oil under the brand
name ''Cutis'', and an organic home insecticide, Orange Guard, over the next few
months. The olive oil will be imported from Greece, and sold under the brand name
in the country. The
domestic market for olive oil is estimated at Rs200 crore, and is reportedly growing
at 18 per cent per annum. Amrutanjan is reportedly looking to secure a 10-per
cent share in about two years, through retail as well as bulk sales to hotels
and other bulk users. For
the insecticide venture, Amrutanjan has reportedly entered into an agreement with
US-based Orange Guard, which will see it import and market the organic insecticide
brand in India. Orange
Guard is a water-based organic insecticide, is non-toxic, and can be sprayed in
the vicinity of food and pets, unlike available insecticides, according to company
sources. A look
at Amrutanjan''s annual report reveals plans to enter into product lines such as
mosquito repellent cream, back ache gel, hand sanitizers, energy capsules, hot
and cold multipurpose gels for arthritis and muscular pains, and anti-stress formulations.
However, company sources indicate that the pain management category is likely
to have key focus, owing to the brand equity the company has in the segment, along
with plans to strengthen distribution in northern India. The
company distribution currently includes tie-ups with around 1,800 distributors,
supplying to around 4.5 lakh retailers, mainly in South, West and East India.
Amrutanjan has reportedly planned a spend of Rs12 crore for brand building, alongside
domestic promotion of its product portfolio, and localised marketing in South
Asia, Africa and Gulf countries.
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