TVS Logistics partners with Tata Opportunities Fund to acquire DIESL

The transaction is expected to make the combination one of India’s most capable and diversified companies in the logistics space. The Tata Opportunities Fund, the flagship Private Equity fund advised by Tata Capital, will invest into TVS LSL to fund the acquisition and to support its future growth through a minority stake.

The two companies, TVS LSL and DIESL, have complementary strengths across sectors and geographies. TVS is strong in automotive and has diversified its businesses in sectors like, beverages, IT, healthcare, telecom and defence globally.

On the other hand, DIESL is strong in consumer durables and has marquee customers in FMCG, retail, technology and telecommunications. Further, DIESL’s strong warehousing network in North and East India provides a good fit with TVS LSL, which has a strong footprint in South and West India. TVS LSL will integrate DIESL’s operations in due course. Together, the combination will enjoy increased cross-selling opportunities given their repertoire of capabilities and customer access to provide a ‘one-stop shop’ solution for new and existing customers.

R. Dinesh, Managing Director of TVS LSL, said, “We are thrilled to be able to bring together two uniquely capable and complementary entities in the 3PL space in India. This move is highly strategic and enables us to add to our already expanding base of non-auto customers. Besides, we have widened our service capabilities including last mile delivery and other capabilities like demand forecasting and technology logistics through our overseas acquisitions. With our sophisticated range of services and capabilities, TVS LSL would be able to provide unmatched support to our (TVS & DIESL) clients in India.”

Padmanabh Sinha, Managing Partner of the Tata Opportunities Fund’s advisory team in India, said, “The Fund and its limited partners are delighted to be able to support TVS LSL in this strategic endeavour and partner them in building a truly capable 3PL powerhouse in India. With this transaction, the Tata Opportunities Fund continues its strategy of investing into key companies in various segments. The Fund believes that the new government’s thrust on developing infrastructure and reforming taxation, especially the Goods and Services Tax, will provide a conducive environment for the growth of professionally managed 3PL companies offering world class solutions.”

K. R. S. Jamwal, Executive Director of Tata Industries and Director on the Board of DIESL, said, “TVS and we share common values of trust and fairness and enjoy a warm relationship, especially in the automotive business. We are pleased that TVS LSL along with the Tata Opportunities Fund will be carrying forward the DIESL business which has been nurtured by Tata Industries and Tata International. We are confident the partnership will be mutually rewarding”. 

Founded in 2003, as a 50:50 joint venture between Tata International and Tata Industries, DIESL has till date built a pan-India 3PL network with more than 180 warehouses and 6.5 million square feet of storage space catering primarily to the consumer products industry. DIESL had revenues of over INR 950 Cr (USD 150 million) in FY2014-15.