India Resurgence Fund (IndiaRF), promoted by Piramal Enterprises Ltd and Bain Capital Credit, has announced $156 million investment in Chennai-based Archean Group’s marine chemicals business.

The investment proceeds will be used to refinance its existing debt, towards capital investment to optimise the plant’s output across all product lines, and provide working capital to enable the business to grow its market share in India and across key export markets such as Japan, China, West Asia and Europe.

Archean Chemical Industries Pvt Ltd is the largest producer and exporter of industrial salt and bromine in India. The company also manufactures sulphate of potash, a high end fertiliser.

IndiaRF has committed $156 million investment through debt and equity, and offered repayment terms such that the initial years’ cash flows are re-invested into growing the business, and the capital is to be returned once the turnaround is fully implemented.

The partnership between IndiaRF and the Archean Group is strategic and long term. As part of this partnership, IndiaRF will be actively engaged with Archean’s management team in implementing the turnaround plan.

Commenting on the investment, Shantanu Nalavadi, Managing Director, IndiaRF, said, “We are pleased to partner with the Archean Group, which reiterates our robust outlook on the marine chemicals business. This, coupled with the company’s globally competitive position, will facilitate IndiaRF to work closely with the promoters and the management team, to steer the company towards an accelerated expansion, growth and profitability path”.

srivats.kr@thehindu.co.in

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