Brands
Magnum Ice Cream Netherlands takes control of Kwality Wall’s India from Unilever
61.9 per cent stake transfer reshapes ownership as Unilever exits promoter role
MUMBAI: Kwality Wall’s (India) Limited has entered a new chapter, with The Magnum Ice Cream Company HoldCo 1 Netherlands B.V. acquiring a controlling 61.9 per cent stake from a clutch of Unilever PLC-led entities, marking a significant shift in ownership.
The transaction, completed on March 30, 2026, follows a share purchase agreement signed in June 2025. The incoming promoter picked up over 145 crore equity shares, effectively taking control of the company and being formally classified as its new promoter under regulatory norms.
As part of the deal, the outgoing promoter group, including Unilever Group Limited and its affiliated entities, has fully exited its shareholding in the company. They have now been reclassified from promoter to public shareholders, closing a long-standing association with the ice cream business in India.
The board of Kwality Wall’s (India) Limited took note of the ownership change and approved a series of leadership updates alongside it. Ritesh Tiwari stepped down as director, while Abhijit Bhattacharya was appointed as chairperson and additional non-executive director. Tahir Toloy Tanridagli also joined the board as an additional non-executive director.
The reshuffle signals a broader strategic reset as the Magnum-led entity looks to steer the brand’s next phase of growth in India. The transition has been carried out in line with regulatory requirements, including disclosures tied to the open offer and reclassification norms under market regulations.
With Unilever stepping back and Magnum stepping in, Kwality Wall’s India is effectively getting a fresh scoop of leadership and direction. The coming months will reveal how the new promoter plans to scale the brand in one of the world’s most competitive ice cream markets.
Brands
Philips Avent appoints Yami Gautam Dhar as brand ambassador
New campaign urges parents to choose science-backed sterilization over traditional boiling.
MUMBAI: Indian parents have long believed that boiling baby bottles keeps germs at bay, but Philips Avent is gently suggesting it’s time to turn up the heat on that tradition with science. Philips has launched a new campaign highlighting the importance of sterilization in infant care, positioning its Philips Avent Sterilizer as a more effective solution than the age-old practice of boiling. The campaign, which also announces acclaimed actor and new mother Yami Gautam Dhar as the brand ambassador for Philips Avent in India, draws on a powerful cultural insight: the deep-rooted Indian tradition of protecting children from the evil eye (nazar).
The film cleverly connects familiar customs such as using salt, chillies, applying a black tika, or evil eye bracelets with modern parenting realities. While these traditions offer emotional comfort, the campaign gently points out that they may not be enough to protect against germs and infections. Backed by a recent survey, Philips claims the Avent Sterilizer delivers up to 2X better germ protection compared to boiling, along with fewer reported illness episodes among infants.
Philips Personal Health, Country Head Shukla said many parents still rely on boiling without realising the difference in effectiveness. “Our survey findings indicate fewer reported infant illness episodes in homes using the Philips Avent Sterilizer. With this campaign, we want to empower parents with knowledge and solutions that combine science with care,” he noted.
Welcoming Yami Gautam Dhar, Shukla added that as a new mother herself, she brings authenticity and relatability to the message, balancing trusted traditions with informed choices.
Yami Gautam Dhar said motherhood makes every decision feel significant. “Learning about proper sterilization was an important part of my journey. The Philips Avent Sterilizer offers up to 2x better germ protection compared to boiling, making everyday baby care safer and easier. I’m proud to partner with a brand that supports parents in making informed choices.”
The Philips Avent Sterilizer is available across leading e-commerce and quick commerce platforms including Amazon and Firstcry, major baby care retailers, and select electronics stores across India.
In a country where protecting little ones is both a cultural duty and a daily ritual, Philips Avent is serving up a modern twist: keep the love, add the science because when it comes to germs, a little extra protection can go a long way.
