Brambles to exit India with $85m CHEP sale—find out why it’s a game-changer

Brambles Limited, a leader in supply-chain logistics and pooling solutions, has entered into an agreement to sell its CHEP India business to LEAP India Private Limited for approximately INR 7,150 million (USD 85 million). This strategic sale marks Brambles’ exit from the Indian market and aligns with its disciplined capital allocation strategy. The transaction, which is anticipated to close by Q1 2025, will shift Brambles’ CHEP operations under LEAP’s management, consolidating the latter’s position in India’s returnable packaging services sector.

Brambles’ CEO, Graham Chipchase, commented on the move, emphasizing the company’s commitment to efficient capital allocation. Chipchase highlighted that while Brambles had laid a strong operational foundation in India over the past decade, realizing long-term value from further investments would require a prolonged timeline. He suggested that the CHEP business in India had reached a stage where LEAP, with its existing infrastructure and local expertise, could expand the operation more effectively, ultimately benefiting both customers and shareholders.

Sale Details and Financial Implications

Brambles expects to record approximately USD 25 million in profit from the transaction, which will be categorized as a “Significant Item” in its fiscal year 2025 (FY25) accounts. Following closing adjustments, Brambles anticipates USD 75 million in cash proceeds, which will go toward debt reduction. The CHEP India segment will now be accounted for as a discontinued operation in Brambles’ FY25 financial statements.

The deal will have no impact on Brambles’ fiscal outlook for 2025, as previously announced alongside its FY24 results. With a global presence in over 60 countries, Brambles continues to focus on key markets in North America and Western Europe, where it can leverage its extensive network of over 750 service centers and a fleet of 347 million pallets, crates, and containers.

Long-term Strategy: Reviewing Market Presence in India

In his statement, Chipchase underlined Brambles’ interest in evaluating future opportunities within India, especially given its geopolitical significance. However, for now, the company has decided to exit the market, which remains in the early stages of adopting pooling and sustainable logistics solutions. Chipchase affirmed that Brambles would continue assessing its strategic investments globally, including re-entry possibilities in India, as part of its broader growth and efficiency goals.

Industry Expert Insights: LEAP India’s Rising Influence

LEAP India, as a prominent provider of returnable packaging solutions, stands to gain a stronger foothold in India’s logistics landscape with this acquisition. Industry analysts believe the deal will accelerate LEAP’s capacity to meet the increasing demand for sustainable, reusable packaging in India’s growing supply chain. LEAP’s alignment with Brambles’ CHEP business model could create significant synergies, enhancing operational efficiency and customer offerings in the region.

What’s Next for Brambles?

For Brambles, this divestment represents a focused approach to capital allocation and reinforces its position as a pioneer in the global sharing economy. The company has built a reputation for sustainability through its ‘pooling’ business model, facilitating the movement of goods for major global brands. Despite its Indian exit, Brambles’ mission remains to enhance its platform efficiencies and expand service offerings in established markets.