Patanjali still keen on taking over Ruchi Soya

In December 2017, Indore-based Ruchi Soya Industries entered the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP). Shailendra Ajmera was appointed resolution professional (RP) by the NCLT on the application of creditors Standard Chartered Bank and DBS Bank under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code.

According to sources, Adani Wilmar, which was declared as the highest bidder in August to acquire Ruchi Soya with around Rs 6,000 crore offer after long drawn battle with Patanjali, has written to the RP regarding significant delays in resolution process, which is leading to deterioration of the assets.

The company has asked the RP why should it buy the deteriorated assets at the same price, they said, adding that the process was getting delayed as Patanjali moved to the NCLT Mumbai challenging the lenders decision. When contacted, S K Tijarawala, the spokesperson of Patanjali that stood second in the bidding process, said it is interested in acquiring Ruchi Soya. “Yes, we are interested. If we are allowed, then we are ready for the takeover of Ruchi Soya as it is,” he said. Patanjali has written to the committee of creditors (CoC) that it would match the offer.

Stating that the assets of Ruchi Soya have deteriorated, Tijarawala said, “We are still interested in taking over of Ruchi Soya.” When contacted, an Adani Wilmar spokesperson did not comment on the issue. 

Patanjali Ayurved has approached the NCLT challenging the decision by Ruchi Soya’s lenders to approve Adani Wilmar’s Rs 6,000 crore takeover bid. Patanjali group came second with a Rs 5,700 crore bid. Meanwhile, Ruchi Soya, in a filing to the BSE, on December 24 said that the “resolution plan submitted by the successful resolution applicant is currently pending for approval before NCLT, Mumbai.” The next date of hearing is January 15, it added.

Ruchi Soya has a total debt of about Rs 12,000 crore. The company has many manufacturing plants and its leading brands include Nutrela, Mahakosh, Sunrich, Ruchi Star and Ruchi Gold. Adani Wilmar was selected by the CoC after two-rounds of bidding.