Is Ajanta Pharma acquiring Burger King for ₹2,000 Cr?

Synopsis: A ₹2,000 crore acquisition plan for a ₹3,800 crore quick-service restaurant operator sparked confusion after media reports. However, the listed pharmaceutical firm denied involvement, clarifying that the deal is being pursued independently by members of its promoter group through a separate private entity.

The Economic Times recently published a story claiming that Ajanta Pharma’s promoters are planning to raise ₹2,000 crore to buy a controlling stake in Restaurant Brands Asia, which operates Burger King outlets in India and Indonesia. The report suggested this would be the pharmaceutical company’s entry into the fast-food business.

According to the article, the money would come from a mix of personal loans to promoters and company-level debt. Banks like Barclays and Standard Chartered were reportedly being approached for funding, though nothing had been finalised.

The Bigger Picture

Restaurant Brands Asia is valued at roughly ₹3,800 crore in the stock market. Private equity firm Everstone Capital, which owns 11.26% of the company, is looking to sell its entire stake.

The company had already announced a deal with Inspira Global Group, which plans to invest ₹900 crore through new shares and another ₹700 crore through warrants, both priced at ₹70 per share.

Ajanta’s Denial

Ajanta Pharma has issued a sharp clarification stating the news article contains a “factually incorrect” claim. The company made it clear that it is not entering the restaurant business. Moreover, a section of Ajanta’s promoter group, the founding families who own shares in the company, is independently pursuing this deal through a separate company called Lenexis Foodworks Private Limited.

Additionally, the promoters are investing their personal money through their own separate company. Ajanta Pharma Limited, as a corporate entity, is not involved in any way.

Why This Matters

This clarification matters because it separates the listed company from the promoters’ personal investment decision. For investors, it confirms that the core pharmaceutical business strategy remains unchanged. For lenders, it defines the borrowing entity clearly. From a market perspective, it avoids confusion between corporate diversification and individual promoter-level investment.

Previous Similar Reports

Ajanta noted this isn’t the first time such confusion has arisen. They had submitted a similar clarification on January 20, 2026, when other media outlets published comparable stories.

While members of Ajanta Pharma’s promoter families may be interested in the fast-food business through their personal investments, Ajanta Pharma Limited itself remains focused solely on pharmaceuticals. The company’s management and board are not part of any Restaurant Brands Asia acquisition discussions. This is a case where the business interests of a company’s founding families should not be confused with the company’s own corporate strategy.

Ajanta Pharma Limited has clarified that it is not acquiring a majority stake in Restaurant Brands Asia. The proposed ₹2,000 crore deal is being pursued independently by members of the promoter group through a separate entity, ensuring the listed pharmaceutical company remains focused solely on its core business.

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts/broking houses/rating agencies on tradebrains.in are their own, and not that of the website or its management. Investing in equities poses a risk of financial losses. Investors must therefore exercise due caution while investing or trading in stocks. Trade Brains Technologies Private Limited or the author are not liable for any losses caused as a result of the decision based on this article. Please consult your investment advisor before investing.

The post Is Ajanta Pharma acquiring Burger King for ₹2,000 Cr? appeared first on Trade Brains.