German Co Gala Kerzen buys majority in Ramesh Flowers

MUMBAI: Germany’s Gala Kerzen, backed by European buyout fund Equistone Partners, agreed to buy a majority stake in Tamil Nadu-based Ramesh Flowers, a manufacturer and exporter of potpourri, air fresheners and decorative products.

The acquisition, the first inbound M&A deal in the export flowers space, will help the German firm expand in to the South Asian market. The transaction concluded on Monday and an official announcement is due later this week.

Founded in 1982 in Tuticorin by Mahendra Raj Singhwi, Ramesh Flowers supplies to international retail chains in Europe and the US. The American market alone accounts for more than 43% of its exports.


Ramesh Flowers’ range of products includes scented potpourris, dried flowers and scented oils and candles. The acquisition will open up new opportunities for Gala Kerzen in both adjacent segments and in new target markets.

“This enhanced product range will be sold to Gala Kerzen’s existing and established retail partners,” said Dirk Schekerka, the country head of Equistone in the DACH region.