The Chhabria family, who founded and control 80.91% of Allied Blenders and Distillers, is considering various options for their liquor business, including a strategic stake sale. They are working with an adviser to evaluate these possibilities, which are currently in the early stages and may not result in a transaction. One scenario involves an initial minority stake sale that could eventually allow the buyer to acquire a controlling interest in the company.
In addition to a strategic sale, the family is also looking into reducing their holding through block trades. This exploration comes as ABD works to meet India's minimum public shareholding requirements. On September 22, 2026, promoter Bina Kishore Chhabria announced plans to sell up to a 1.97% stake between September 23 and October 1, 2026, to comply with these regulations. This particular sale involved 5.5 million shares at an average price of ₹650.17 per share, generating approximately ₹357 crore ($43 million), and reduced the promoter group's total shareholding from 80.91% to 78.95%.
Major institutional investors, including Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) and SBI Mutual Fund, were significant buyers in the block deal. ADIA acquired 1.5 million shares (0.54% equity) and SBI Mutual Fund purchased 3.4 million shares (1.22% equity), both at ₹650 per share. This institutional participation was interpreted by the market as a vote of confidence, contributing to a 6% surge in ABD's stock on the National Stock Exchange on September 24, 2026. Allied Blenders and Distillers, known for brands like Officer's Choice whisky, was founded in Kolkata in 1988 and listed on Indian stock exchanges in July 2024.
