A2B secures $180 million investment from James Murdoch, Uday Shankar-backed Bodhi Tree

CHENNAI Homegrown food chain Adyar Ananda Bhavan, popularly known as A2B, has secured investments to the tune $180 million (over ₹1,600 crore) from Bodhi Tree Systems, a firm co-founded by James Murdoch, the younger son of media baron Rupert Murdoch, and Uday Shankar. The 50-year-old brand has shed a majority stake for this deal. An industry source said that the deal values A2B at roughly $350 million. And from now, Uday Shankar will serve as Chairperson of A2B’s new Board of Directors.

Veda Corporate Advisors acted as the exclusive financial advisor to A2B. Vishnu Shankar, from the A2B promoter family, confirmed the news and told The Hindu that the funds would be utilised for expanding into newer markets both nationally and internationally. Currently, the food chain serves south Indian vegetarian dishes and ​sweets. Mr.

Shankar said that the western region of India and the European market are among the key markets the company is looking to tap. “We also want to expand our retail presence. And for this, we will be modernising our factories in Chennai and Bengaluru.