Leading multiplex operator PVR INOX announced on Monday that it has sold its premium snacking business, which operated under the 4700BC brand, to domestic FMCG giant Marico in an all-cash transaction worth ₹226.8 crore.
PVR INOX divests 4700BC in strategic FMCG deal
According to a regulatory update from the Bijli family-promoted company, the board of PVR INOX approved divesting its 93.27 percent share in Zea Maize Pvt Ltd (ZMPL), which owns the brand 4700BC, during a meeting on Monday.
“PVR INOX has monetized its entire investment in its subsidiary ZMPL to Marico Ltd in an all-cash transaction for a total consideration of ₹226.8 crore,” a joint statement from PVR INOX and Marico stated. 4700BC is one of India’s top premium gourmet snacking brands, known for its popcorn and variety of inventive snack offerings like popped chips, makhana, crunchy corn, and nachos.”
Board approval and transaction details
“We wish to inform you that a duly authorized committee of the Board of Directors of the Company in its meeting held today i.e. January 26, 2026, considered and duly approved the sale of its entire shareholding in its subsidiary, Zea Maize which owns the brand “4700BC” (consisting of 93.27 percent of the paid-up equity share capital to Marico Ltd.),” the statement stated. PVR INOX has reached final agreements for the transfer of the aforement to Marico Ltd.”
It further stated that ZMPL will no longer be a subsidiary of PVR Inox following the completion of the aforementioned sale. “Overall, the transaction is expected to be accretive to PVR INOX’s profit, free cash flow, and return ratios,” it stated, adding, “The divestment will have no material impact on PVR INOX’s in-cinema food and beverage revenues or its growth trajectory.”
Impact on PVR INOX’s financials and operations
🍿 PVR INOX–Marico 4700BC Deal Snapshot
- Transaction Value: ₹226.8 crore (all-cash)
- Stake Sold: 93.27% in Zea Maize Pvt Ltd
- Brand: 4700BC premium snacking
- Buyer: Marico Ltd
- Strategic Rationale: Monetisation of non-core asset
PVR INOX is monetizing its non-core assets in accordance with the leading cinema exhibitor’s ongoing strategic review in order to strengthen the balance sheet and reallocate resources to its core cinema exhibition business.”
“We recognised the potential in 4700BC at a very early stage and supported the brand through its formative years,” PVR INOX Managing Director Ajay Bijli said in response to the transaction, saying it is a natural culmination of our strategic role and allows us to monetise a non-core asset.
PVR INOX leadership commentary
It began as a specialty gourmet popcorn product and has developed into a well-known premium snack brand across the country. The brand is well-positioned under the direction of a scaled FMCG leader like Marico as it seeks to expand its goals and scale further,” he stated.
“The investment in 4700BC matches nicely with Marico’s objective to participate in fast-growing food categories through distinctive, future-ready brands,” stated Saugata Gupta, MD and CEO of Marico.
Marico’s acquisition strategy and vision
📈 Marico’s Premium Foods Growth Strategy
- Brand Fit: Premium & high-growth snacking
- Expansion: Wider channel and FMCG distribution
- Revenue Goal: ₹20,000 crore by 2030
- Portfolio: Saffola, True Elements, Plix, 4700BC
- Focus: Healthy, high-end food categories
We believe that 4700BC has enormous potential as a high-end snacking brand with a strong customer base and track record of success.
The company, which owns well-known brands like Livon, Parachute, and Saffola, will use 4700BC’s “existing scale in foods to increase the brand’s presence across channels,” he stated.
Marico’s long-term growth roadmap
In the next three years, the Mariwala-family-promoted company anticipates that food and high-end personal care will account for 25% of its domestic income.
Marico has brands like Saffola, True Elements, Plix, and others in the expanding healthy, high-end, and functional foods market. In FY25, it surpassed the milestone of having ₹10,000 crore in revenue.
Revenue milestones and future targets
Now, it wants to double its income in the next five years to reach ₹20,000 crore by 2030.
Following the merging of PVR and INOX on February 6, 2023, PVR INOX was established. It now runs 1,783 screens in 357 locations throughout 112 cities in Sri Lanka and India.
Frequently asked questions
1. What is the arrangement between Marico and PVR INOX?
In an all-cash transaction of ₹226.8 crore, PVR INOX sold its luxury snacking brand 4700BC to Marico, giving up its 93.27% ownership in Zea Maize Pvt Ltd.
2. Why was 4700BC sold by PVR INOX?
The transaction is a component of PVR INOX’s strategy assessment to strengthen its balance sheet, monetize non-core assets, and concentrate more on its primary business of showing movies.
3. How will this sale impact PVR INOX’s in-theater food operations?
No, PVR INOX has made it clear that the divestment will not affect its growth goals or in-theater food and beverage earnings.
4. Why is Marico purchasing 4700 BC?
Marico views 4700BC as a high-growth premium snacking brand that fits with its plan to use its current FMCG size and distribution network to grow in premium and healthful food categories.
5. How does Marico’s long-term plan incorporate this acquisition?
The acquisition helps Marico reach its targets of generating ₹20,000 crore in sales by 2030 and having food and high-end personal care account for 25% of domestic income in three years.
Conclusion
Marico’s ₹226.8-crore acquisition of 4700BC is a strategic move that benefits both businesses.
Marico fortifies its position in the rapidly expanding premium food market, while PVR INOX unlocks value from a non-core asset and concentrates on theaters.
4700BC is well-positioned for faster development thanks to Marico’s scale and execution skills, while PVR INOX gains from stronger balance sheets and better cash flows.
