Singapore’s Temasek likely to invest in DIL

Incorporated in 1974, a Singapore-based Investment Company Temasek may invest in KFC, Pizza Hut and Costa Coffee. The investment is heard to be about Rs 400 crore. Supported by 11 offices globally, Temasek owns S$223 billion portfolio as at 31 March 2014, mainly in Singapore and Asia.

The investments are heard to be made in Devyani International Limited (DIL). An associate company of RJ Corp, largest bottler for Pepsico with interests in beverages, food, beer, milk, ice-cream, stem-cell, real estate and education. Devyani International Limited also owns Vaango, a South-Indian restaurant and American ice-cream brand, Swensen's. The group is running over 300 outlets across its various brands and the additional funds are to ramp up its network in the highly competitive $48-billion market.

When contacted via e-mail, Stephen Forshaw, Managing Director, Strategic and Public Affairs, Temasek said: “As a matter of policy, Temasek does not comment on market speculations.”

Temasek's investment themes centre on transforming economies; growing middle income populations; deepening comparative advantages; and emerging champions. Its portfolio covers a broad spectrum of industries: financial services; telecommunications, media and technology; transportation and industrials; life sciences, consumer and real estate; as well as energy and resources.