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Among the prominent suitors to buy Bisleri was Ratan Tata, whose Tata Group, made a serious offer to buy Bisleri.
Jayanti Chauhan led Bisleri to achieve Rs 2,300 crore revenue in FY 2022-23.
In the world of business, few names carry the weight of vision and integrity like Ratan Tata, the former Chairman Emeritus of the Tata Group. Known for his leadership, business acumen, and commitment to philanthropy, Tata’s approach to corporate dealings is both admired and respected. So when Ramesh Chauhan, the owner of the largest packaged water brand, Bisleri, decided to sell his business in 2022, many expected the transaction to go smoothly with Tata Group at the helm. But there was a twist in the story – one that not only surprised the business world but also showcased the remarkable leadership of a young woman who wasn’t ready to sell her legacy.
Ramesh Chauhan, often referred to as the ‘Aqua King’ for his role in transforming Bisleri into a household name, had built a powerful brand over the course of 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 line – his only child, Jayanti Chauhan, initially showing little interest in running the business – the decision to sell Bisleri seemed inevitable. The news set the business world abuzz, as the company, which commands 32% of the packaged water market, was not only a pioneer but an enduring market leader with a vast network of 122 plants and over 4,500 distributors across the country.
As expected, the prospect of acquiring such an iconic brand attracted bids from some of the biggest names in the industry. Among the prominent suitors was Ratan Tata, whose Tata Group, a conglomerate with diverse business interests, made a serious offer to buy Bisleri. The proposal was substantial – Rs 7,000 crore. While many saw this as a generous and fair price, Jayanti Chauhan, who had begun taking a more active role in the company, had different plans.
In a bold and unexpected move, Jayanti rejected Tata Group’s offer, deciding to steer Bisleri herself and lead it into a new era. The decision to stay independent and take control of her father’s legacy was not only a personal one but a defining moment in her career.
Jayanti Chauhan’s Remarkable Turnaround of Bisleri
Under Jayanti’s leadership, Bisleri, which had been facing challenges related to market dynamics and competition, experienced a revitalisation that sent shockwaves through the industry. In the fiscal 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 indicator of her business acumen.
Jayanti’s leadership style, while grounded in tradition, is also marked by innovation and a keen understanding of market trends. She introduced several key initiatives to modernise Bisleri, expand its product range, and connect more meaningfully with younger consumers. Her focus on sustainability, digital transformation, and expanding Bisleri’s footprint across international markets helped the brand not only maintain its dominant position but also increase its profitability.
Who Is Jayanti Chauhan?
Jayanti Chauhan is the only daughter of Ramesh Chauhan. Born and raised in Delhi, she completed her schooling there before moving to Mumbai for further studies. Jayanti went on to pursue 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, Jayanti’s return to Bisleri marked the beginning of a new chapter for the company.
Initially, she wasn’t keen on taking over the family business, but the shifting dynamics of the business world and her own evolving perspective led her to reconsider. Recognising the potential for growth and innovation, she took on the challenge of leading Bisleri with a fresh vision.
