Century-ABFRL to merge

Century Textiles and Industries is looking to demerge its textile business and likely to merge it with Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail (ABFRL) to bring the entire textile and fashion business of the Aditya Birla Group under one roof.

In the textile business, Century has two revenue streams: cotton fabric and denim units that can be integrated with ABFRL’s businesses. The company has a vertically integrated plant at Bharuch for manufacturing cotton fabrics. The cotton division of Century is one of the oldest players in India and manufactures a wide range of premium textiles and supplies to many international players, including Royale Linen, Ralph Lauren, DKNY, Belk and US Polo.

According to analysts, with a new management led by Birla Group Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla now taking charge, a restructuring of its businesses is now inevitable. After raising their stake through a preferential offer, the Birlas have consolidated their grip over the company by inducting Rajshree Birla on the board of Century Textiles in May last year.