B9 Beverages, the powerhouse behind India's fourth-largest beer company, Bira 91, has orchestrated a strategic coup with the appointment of Manoj Kohli, former MD of Bharti Airtel, and Bharat Anand, Partner at Khaitan & Co., as Independent Directors. The move aims to harness their extensive global business acumen, steering Bira 91's expansion both domestically and internationally, while reinforcing corporate governance.
In a distinguished career spanning over four decades, Manoj Kohli, credited with transforming Bharti Airtel into the world's third-largest telco, brings a wealth of experience. His leadership prowess extends beyond telecom, having been the Country Head for SoftBank India, where he played a pivotal role in guiding startups like Ola, Paytm, and WeWork. Kohli's current roles on the boards of WeWork India and Triveni Engineering, coupled with his advisory position at Deloitte India and Masters' Union, underscore his influence in diverse sectors.
Complementing this, Bharat Anand, a luminary in corporate law and Partner at Khaitan & Co., adds legal finesse to the board. Renowned for his expertise in mergers, acquisitions, and private equity transactions in India, Anand's presence bolsters Bira 91's strategic decision-making capabilities.
Established in 2015, B9 Beverages has evolved into a beer industry heavyweight, claiming the fourth spot in India. With a diverse beer portfolio sold in over 1000 cities across 24 countries, the company made a splash in 2023 by venturing into the Beyond Beer category with Hill Station Ciders and Grizly Seltzers. Bira 91's innovation extends to its taprooms in Bengaluru and Delhi-NCR, where a new beer is introduced weekly. The recent acquisition of The Beer Café further solidifies its presence in the pub scene.
Backing this ambitious enterprise are key investors such as Kirin Holdings, MUFG Bank, Sofina of Belgium, and Peak XV Partners. This stellar lineup positions Bira 91 for continued success and innovation in the dynamic beverage market.
The strategic appointments of Kohli and Anand underscore Bira 91's commitment to robust governance and strategic growth. As the company diversifies into new beverage categories, the seasoned leadership is poised to guide it through a new phase of global expansion and innovation, presenting an intriguing prospect for investors and enthusiasts alike.
A look at Bira91 Unlisted Shares
As of November 2023, the Bira91 unlisted share price stands at Rs. 750. Over the past month, there has been a notable 21% decrease in its share value. Analysis of the historical performance reveals that in the preceding three months, the share price hovered around Rs. 600, subsequently demonstrating an upward trajectory.