Coca‑Cola is preparing a $1 billion IPO for its Indian bottling arm, Hindustan Coca‑Cola Beverages (HCCB), appointing Kotak, HDFC Group, and Citibank as bankers. Targeting a near-$10 billion valuation, the listing could slip to 2027 if peak summer demand is disrupted by rains—echoing last year’s volatility in India’s soft drinks market.
Coca‑Cola has initiated plans to list HCCB in India, aiming to raise about $1 billion (≈₹9,027 crore). The company has appointed Kotak, HDFC Group, and Citibank to steer the offering, with a valuation goal close to $10 billion. The timeline remains 2026, though management cautions the IPO could be deferred to 2027 if summer sales are hit by unusual rainfall, as seen last year.
HCCB manufactures and distributes leading brands including Coca‑Cola, Thums Up, Sprite, Maaza, Kinley, Dasani, Georgia Coffee, and Schweppes, anchoring Coca‑Cola’s presence in India’s ₹60,000‑crore soft drinks market. The listing is expected to unlock value, deepen local capital markets participation, and fund capacity and distribution expansion.
Notable updates and major takeaways
Bankers appointed: Kotak, HDFC Group, Citibank for the proposed IPO.
Fundraise target: $1 billion; valuation near $10 billion.
Timing risk: Listing may shift to 2027 if peak summer demand is rain‑affected.
Market footprint: Portfolio spans Coca‑Cola, Thums Up, Sprite, Maaza, and more.
Strategic aim: Capital for capacity, cold‑chain, and route‑to‑market expansion.
Conclusion
A successful HCCB IPO would signal confidence in India’s beverages demand while giving Coca‑Cola strategic capital to scale manufacturing and distribution—though seasonal volatility remains the key swing factor for timing.
Sources: Fortune India, News18News18, India IPO