Dr Batra’s eyes start-ups to diversify into complete healthcare

Will invest Rs.100 cr to enter new categories

Mumbai, June 02, 2015

Dr Batra’s Positive Health Clinic is considering acquiring small start-up companies in the categories such as homecare and diagnostics as it diversifies from being a homoeopathy-based retail chain to a complete healthcare company.

“There are healthcare-based start-up companies which may need the back-up of a professional player to support their operations and we would be interested in acquiring them. We have set aside an investment of Rs.100 crore in the next three years to enter new categories for which we look at start-ups in areas like e-health, homecare and research-based product development,” said Mukesh Batra, Founder & Chairman.

In fact, homecare is a category actively being considered by the homeopathy company for immediate diversification.

“Since we are planning to enter the homecare segment, we are looking at start-ups specialising in innovation and technology specifically in this segment,” he added.

With sales turnover of Rs.202 crore, Dr Batra’s Positive Health Clinic has over 200 homeopathy clinics across 105 cities. It is now extending the Dr Batra’s retail brand into new areas such as aesthetics and pet care.

“Last year we entered the pet care segment with a clinic in Delhi and will now be extending through the franchise route with 20 day centres for pets across the country under Dr Batra’s Pet care,” he added.

A pilot for a franchise-based operation of Dr Batra’s Pet care has already started in New Mumbai on a 400 sq ft facility which would provide veterinary services and treatments along with grooming facilities and a pet shop.

Aesthetic services in areas such as hair growth and slimming and even a medical spa is also being considered.

It has recently forged an equal JV with an Oman-based group (Khimji’s) to launch the first medical spa in West Asia. “More than raising money through private equity we would rather forge JVs and have strategic partners to get into new businesses. Most of our funding has been through internal accruals all these years,” added Mukesh Batra.

Biz targets

Having re-entered the consumer products business last year, it is now scaling it up to reach 6,000 stores with FMCG goods such as soaps, face washes, shampoos and hand sanitizers.

“In the first year, we have clocked Rs.22 crore in the FMCG business and hope to reach a target of Rs.50 crore this year,” added Mukesh Batra.

Almost 75 per cent of the company’s turnover comes from its homoeopathy clinics. The homoeopathy segment is estimated at Rs.2,458 crore of which the organised segment comprises Rs.270 crore. Business Line