A2B sells majority stake to Bodhi Tree in $180-million deal
The deal values A2B at $350 million, says a source
- ✓The deal values A2B at $350 million, says a source
- ✓The 50-year-old brand has shed a majority stake for this deal.
- ✓An industry source said the deal values A2B at roughly $350 million, and Uday Shankar will serve as Chairperson of A2B’s new Board of Directors.
- ✓It runs about 160 restaurants and sweet-and-savoury stores in India, with 32 overseas outlets in markets such as Singapore, the U.S., and Australia.
Homegrown food chain Adyar Ananda Bhavan, popularly known as A2B, has secured investments to the tune of $180 million (over ₹1,600 crore) from Bodhi Tree Systems, a firm co-founded by James Murdoch, the younger son of media baron Rupert Murdoch, and Uday Shankar.
The 50-year-old brand has shed a majority stake for this deal. An industry source said the deal values A2B at roughly $350 million, and Uday Shankar will serve as Chairperson of A2B’s new Board of Directors. Veda Corporate Advisers acted as the exclusive financial adviser to A2B.
Vishnu Shankar, from the A2B promoter family, confirmed the news and told The Hindu that the funds would be used for expanding into newer markets, both nationally and internationally. Currently, the food chain serves south Indian vegetarian dishes and sweets.
Mr. Shankar said western India and Europe are among the key markets the company is seeking to expand into. “We also want to expand our retail presence. And for this, we will be modernising our factories in Chennai and Bengaluru.
We are also exploring the possibility of setting up another factory to cater to the retail and export markets,” Mr. Shankar said. Founded in the late 1970s, A2B has a strong foothold in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, and a growing presence across India.
It runs about 160 restaurants and sweet-and-savoury stores in India, with 32 overseas outlets in markets such as Singapore, the U.S., and Australia. It also sells packaged sweets and snacks through retail and online channels.
The company is headquartered in Chennai, and employs more than 15,000 people. A2B is Bodhi Tree’s third investment, after ALLEN Career Institute and JioStar. Director of Junior Kuppanna, Balachandar R., said: “There is a treasure trove of value creation in private equity and capital markets for regional legacy brands.
Haldiram’s and A2B have only scratched the surface. I foresee at least 100 listed brands in the food and beverage space in the next decade.” It may be recalled that Mr. Balachandar was the adviser to the Dindigul Thalappakatti 2019 deal.
The hotel chain, which is famous for its biryani, had raised ₹260 crore from CX Partners, a private equity firm.
- •Aspirants and citizens are advised to monitor official notices and circulars issued by The Hindu National.
- •Verify all prescribed eligibility criteria, cutoff dates, and authenticated document requirements prior to formal submissions.
- •Track connected examination timetables, vacancy advisories, and administrative gazettes on SuchnaSetu.
| Issuing Authority | The Hindu National |
|---|---|
| Topic Category | BUSINESS |
| Jurisdiction | All India / National |
| Publication Date | 12 November 2026 |