Wipro Unza keen to acquire more brands

SUBANG JAYA: Wipro Unza (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd is looking at acquiring more brands in the personal careline segment to strengthen its brand-positioning in the country and the region.

Managing director Kumar Chander said the company is constantly on the lookout to buy more brands to add to its range of products but declined to name companies that it is negotiating with.

"We are looking for new products in markets such as Malaysia, China and Africa," he told Business Times in an interview recently.

"What we are looking for are growing brands with a bright future. Discussions are ongoing with many companies. Our last acquisition in the personal care space was Yardley of London," he added.

Chander said that Wipro Unza, which was a Malaysian-owned company and later acquired by India's Wipro Corp via a private equity exercise in July 2007, is looking at buying in all market segments, including the halal and herbal personal careline.

"We are a cash-rich company with over RM3 billion (US$1 billion) in reserves," he said, without specifying the investment set aside for the acquisitions.

He said the Malaysian personal care sector is estimated at RM3 billion and the company held number one position in categories like talcum powder (48 per cent), halal personal care (39 per cent), mass fragrances (24 per cent) and kids toiletries with Carrie.

Chander also said the company holds top spot for facial cleanser as a company and Safi as a brand. Both control 23 per cent and 15 per cent of market share, respectively.

At present, the company is fourth in personal care products in Malaysia.

Wipro Unza is a subsidiary of Wipro, which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Bombay Stock Exchange.

Wipro is a fast-moving consumer goods company based in Bangalore, India, and is estimated to be worth US$6.98 billion (RM21 billion).

Its Malaysian arm is home to personal care brands such as Enchanter, Romano, Dashing, Eversoft, Carrie, Safi and Gervenne.