Ratan Tata, the late billionaire businessman, was known for acquiring struggling businesses and transforming them into profitable enterprises. One such business that almost became part of Tata Consumer Products Limited (TCPL) in 2023 was Bisleri International. Founded by Ramesh Chauhan, Bisleri was on the verge of being sold, but the deal never went through.
The Woman Who Rejected a ₹7,000 Crore Offer
Reports suggest that Ratan Tata offered ₹7,000 crore to Ramesh Chauhan to acquire Bisleri International. After two years of negotiations, the deal nearly closed in 2023 but ultimately fell apart. The main reason for this was Ramesh Chauhan’s daughter, Jayanti Chauhan, who decided to take the reins of the company.
In an interview with The Economic Times, Ramesh Chauhan revealed that he had transferred his responsibilities to his daughter, Jayanti, who is now the Vice Chairperson of Bisleri International. Although Ramesh remains Chairman, Jayanti and her mother, Zainab Chauhan, who is the Director of Bisleri, hold key positions in the company.
Why Did Ramesh Chauhan Want to Sell Bisleri?
Bisleri is the undisputed leader in India’s packaged water market. Despite fierce competition from brands like Kinley, Aquafina, and others, Bisleri continues to dominate the sector. Ramesh, who founded Bisleri in the 1970s, had initially sought a worthy successor for the company. In 2022, he had mentioned that his daughter Jayanti was not interested in running the business, which led him to seek out a suitable buyer. He believed that Ratan Tata, with his business acumen, was the best person to take the brand forward.
However, the negotiations fell through, and in a surprising turn of events, Jayanti agreed to lead Bisleri in 2023, fulfilling her father’s long-standing wish.
Jayanti Chauhan’s Educational Background and Early Career
Jayanti Chauhan’s educational background includes a graduation from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) in Los Angeles, where she gained expertise in product design. She later pursued a degree in Fashion Styling from Istituto Marangoni Milano and studied fashion photography at the London College of Fashion.
At the age of 24, Jayanti joined Bisleri, working closely under her father’s mentorship. Over the years, she has introduced automation, renovated the company, and contributed significantly to Bisleri’s branding, marketing, and product streamlining efforts.
Thanks to her leadership, Bisleri’s market valuation reached ₹2,300 crore in 2022-23, although Ratan Tata’s ₹7,000 crore offer exceeded its market cap. Under her guidance, Bisleri is poised to continue growing.
The Story Behind Jayanti Chauhan’s Name Change
A few years ago, Jayanti made headlines when she added ‘Khan’ to her surname, sparking rumors of marriage. However, she clarified in an interview with Mint that she added her mother’s last name, as a tribute to her mother, Zainab Khan. Jayanti also revealed that she is still single and waiting for a partner who values her as much as she does them.
Jayanti Chauhan’s journey is a testament to her dedication and vision, as she continues to take Bisleri to new heights while maintaining the family legacy.
