A2B Sells Majority Stake to Bodhi Tree in $180 Million Deal

Adyar Ananda Bhavan (A2B), one of South India's leading food brands, has entered into a strategic partnership with Bodhi Tree Systems, the investment platform co-founded by James Murdoch and Uday Shankar, in a $180 million investment deal for a majority stake in the company.

The partnership aims to strengthen A2B's position in the Indian foodservice market while accelerating its expansion across domestic and international markets. The investment will support the company's transformation into a professionally managed, globally competitive Indian food business.

Founded in the late 1970s by brothers K.T. Srinivasa Raja and K.T. Venkatesan, A2B has built a strong presence in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka through its sweets, savouries and casual dining offerings. The company currently operates around 160 outlets in India and 32 international outlets across markets including Singapore, the United States, Australia, Malaysia and the UK. It employs more than 15,000 people.

As part of the partnership, Uday Shankar will serve as Chairperson of A2B's new Board of Directors.

“A2B has earned the trust of millions of families through its consistent and reliable quality. We are grateful to the co-founders, K.T. Srinivasa Raja and K.T. Venkatesan, for this opportunity to partner with them to build a differentiated, professionally managed Indian food company, one that sets new standards for the sector,” said James Murdoch and Uday Shankar, Co-founders of Bodhi Tree Systems.

They added that A2B's established presence in India and international markets presented an opportunity to take authentic Indian cuisine to a much wider global audience.

“What began as a sweet shop started by my brother and me 50 years ago is now part of daily life for millions of families, and we are proud of every one of our people who made that possible. We are excited to begin this next chapter with Bodhi Tree. The plan we have built together will make A2B a company fit for the public markets, so that our customers, employees and investors can share in its future,” said K.T. Srinivasa Raja, Co-founder, A2B.

K.T. Venkatesan, Co-founder, A2B, added, “We are delighted to welcome Bodhi Tree as our partner. James and Uday bring deep experience in building consumer businesses at scale. Together, we look forward to creating new opportunities for our people and taking A2B into many more homes.”

The partnership will focus on strengthening A2B's leadership and talent, building digital capabilities, modernising its kitchens and manufacturing facilities to global standards, and expanding its range of healthy and nutritious food. It will also support the growth of the company's restaurant network and packaged food business across India and international markets.

For Bodhi Tree Systems, the investment marks its third major portfolio addition after ALLEN Career Institute and JioStar. Co-founded in 2021 by James Murdoch and Uday Shankar, the platform focuses on building category-leading consumer businesses by strengthening management, investing in technology and supporting long-term growth.

With this partnership, A2B aims to leverage Bodhi Tree's experience in scaling consumer-facing businesses to strengthen its operations, expand its footprint and establish a larger presence for Indian ethnic food in global markets.