Serious Russian

Meraj Manal8217;s Himalaya Drug Company has been a leader in the revival of herbal medicines in India. Of late the tycoon has been working hard on the overseas front as well. After consolidating his hold in West Asia, US and the South East Asian markets, the tycoon is bracing up for a forceful entry into the Russian market. It is, however, not going to be his maiden entry into the market where he already sells a few of his brands rather successfully. In fact consumers in Russia and other CIS countries are already familiar with the Himalaya brand name and his Liv 52 is quite a household name there. Manal is planning to launch at least 25 products from his array of offerings in therapy, wellness and personal care. The tycoon is presently busy securing registrations for his new products in that market. Given that Russia is a tough market to crack with its high benchmarks and stringent regulatory procedures, the tycoon has quite rightly started early. Manal has also initiated extensive toxicity and clinical studies for his drugs on adults and children in hospitals and medical institutions in Moscow and St Petersburg. Observers feel that enhanced focus on the market makes sense given the increasing popularity of herbal drugs in Russia and neighbouring countries. The pharma tycoon is leaving no stones unturned for this new journey and has put in place a sizable team of 80 representatives to cover that country. Could we soon see healthy Russians swear by the efficacy of the Himalayan range?

Spencer tracing

Harsh Goenka after parting ways with Dairy International he also gave up the FoodWorld brandname in the bargain is busy consolidating his retail businesses under the Spencer8217;s name. Harsh has outlined a Rs 450 crore expansion plan for his retail business over the next three years. In the last two months he has identified 46 locations for his new stores. He plans to get these new stores going during the next six months. These new outlets will take his store count beyond the 100 mark Spencer8217;s has 56 stores at present. Delhi alone is expected to have seven Spencer stores by March 2006 and he is very keen to set up at least three at the new Metro Rail Stations. Despite his ambitious expansion plans, Harsh believes he will meet most of his investment requirements from internal accruals. Given the pace Harsh has set for himself, he may reach his target of reaching Rs 2,000 crore turnover in 5 years time, but the market is betting he will need more money than he estimates at the moment.

dilipcheriangmail.com