Prominent suitors to buy Busleri included Ratan Tata, whose Tata Group made a serious offer to buy Busleri.
Jayanthi Chauhan led Basileri to achieve revenues of Rs 2,300 crore in FY 2022-23.
In the world of business, there are few names that carry the weight of vision and integrity like Ratan Tata, former Chairman Emeritus of the Tata Group. Known for his leadership, business acumen, and commitment to philanthropy, Tata’s approach to corporate transactions is admired and respected. So when Ramesh Chauhan, owner of the largest packaged water brand, Busleri, decided to sell his business in 2022, many expected the transaction with the Tata group to go smoothly. But there was a twist in the story – one that not only shocked the business world but also revealed the remarkable leadership of a young woman who was not ready to sell her legacy.
Ramesh Chauhan, often referred to as the ‘Aqua King’ for his role in making Bisleri a household name, built a powerful brand over five decades. However, as he grew older, Chauhan became less inclined to oversee the day-to-day operations of the company. With no immediate successor in the line — his only child, Jayanthi Chauhan, initially showed little interest in running the business — the decision to sell Bisleri seemed inevitable. The news sent shockwaves through the business world, as the company, which commands a 32% share of the packaged water market, was not only a pioneer but also a leader with a vast network of 122 plants and over 4,500 distributors across the country. Durability was the market leader.
As expected, the prospect of acquiring such an iconic brand attracted bids from some of the biggest names in the industry. Prominent suitors included Ratan Tata, whose Tata Group, which has diversified business interests, made a serious offer to buy Bisleri. The proposal was substantial – Rs 7,000 crore. While many saw this as generous and a fair price, Jayanthi Chauhan, who had begun to take a more active role in the company, had different plans.
In a bold and unexpected move, Jayanthi rejected the Tata Group’s offer, and decided to run Busleri himself and lead it into a new era. The decision to remain independent and carry on his father’s legacy was not only personal but a pivotal moment in his career.
Jayanthi Chauhan’s remarkable transformation of Basileri
Under Jayanthi’s leadership, Bisleri, which was facing challenges related to market dynamics and competition, experienced a revival that sent shock waves through the industry. In the financial year 2022-23, Bisleri International recorded a staggering revenue of Rs 2,300 crore – a remarkable feat for a company of its size and stature, and a clear indication of its business acumen.
Jayanti’s leadership style, while rooted in tradition, also has a deep understanding of innovation and market trends. He introduced several key initiatives to modernize Bisleri, expand its product range, and connect more meaningfully with young consumers. His focus on sustainability, digital transformation, and expanding Bisleri’s footprint in international markets helped the brand not only maintain its dominant position but also increase its profitability.
Who is Jayanti Chauhan?
Jayanthi Chauhan is the only daughter of Ramesh Chauhan. Born and brought up in Delhi, he completed his schooling there before moving to Mumbai for further studies. Jayanthi pursued her higher education in the United States, where she graduated from the prestigious Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) in Los Angeles and New York. Despite her fashion and design background, Jayanthi’s return to Bisleri marked a new chapter for the company.
Initially, she was not keen on taking over the family business, but the changing dynamics of the business world and her own changing perspective made her reconsider. Recognizing the potential for growth and innovation, he accepted the challenge of leading Bisleri with a new vision.