Mothercare and Reliance Brands form joint venture for South Asian markets

It will manage the Mothercare brand in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.

Mothercare plc, a global leader in products for parents and young children, has entered a strategic joint venture with Reliance Brands Holding UK Limited (RBL UK), a subsidiary of Reliance Brands Limited.

The partnership will hold the Mothercare brand and related intellectual property across India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.

RBL UK will own 51% of the joint venture, whilst Mothercare will retain 49%.

The deal includes a $21m (£16m) cash consideration by RBL UK for its majority interest.

The new entity will serve as the franchisor for the Mothercare brand in South Asia, combining the strengths of both companies to expand Mothercare’s footprint and tap into the region’s growing demand for children’s products and parenting essentials.

Reliance Brands acquired the rights to the UK-based Mothercare brand for the Indian market in 2018. It currently operates 87 stores across 25 cities.