Bennett, Coleman & Co Ltd (BCCL), the owner of the Times of India brand, has acquired a stake in the Pune-based House of Laptops (India) Pvt Ltd, an integrated showroom for computer peripherals.
Confirming this to Indiaretailing, S. Shivakumar, director, private equities, BCCL said: “The stake quantum is confidential but in terms of value, it is close to Rs 10 crore.”
BCCL acquires stakes in companies through various private treaties. The idea is simple: the companies can leverage the advertising requirements from the media brands of BCCL. In return, BCCL acquires a stake in these companies. BCCL has more than 200 such clients, said Shivkumar. According to BCCL, such private treaties are part of new-age marketing tools for the brands, meant for accelerating brand building and increasing consumer connect.
At present, HOL has four stores in Pune. It has plans to expand nationwide by 2010. HOL is also in the process of developing a franchise network. The product portfolio of HOL includes laptops, desktops, palmtops and pocket PCs from various brands. It also sells printers, peripherals and accessories.
