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Indian billionaire and business tycoon Ravi Jaipuria is making headlines again—this time for expanding his empire into Sri Lanka. Jaipuria, the chairman of Varun Beverages (one of PepsiCo’s largest bottlers outside the US), is acquiring a 50% stake in Everest Industrial Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. The deal is valued at USD 3.75 million (around Rs. 3.20 crore).
Everest Industrial Lanka is known for manufacturing and distributing commercial visi-coolers and accessories. With this investment, Varun Beverages is set to boost its supply chain network and extend its influence across the South Asian region.
Ravi Jaipuria, often dubbed India’s “Cola King,” is the force behind several successful ventures. He leads RJ Corp, under which Varun Beverages and Devyani International (operator of KFC, Pizza Hut, and Costa Coffee in India) operate. With a real-time net worth of $13.8 billion (as of May 20, Forbes), Jaipuria remains India’s wealthiest individual in the food and beverage sector.
Having studied business management in the US, Jaipuria returned to India in 1985 and began his journey as a Pepsi bottler. Since then, his portfolio has grown to include healthcare (Medanta) and hospitality (Lemon Tree Hotels). And now—Sri Lanka.
