IPL's Royal Challengers Bengaluru acquired for $1.78 billion by consortium

Royal Challengers Bengaluru players celebrate with the trophy after winning the Indian Premier League
Royal Challengers Bengaluru players celebrate with the trophy after winning the Indian Premier LeagueREUTERS / Amit Dave

Indian Premier League franchise ⁠Royal Challengers Bengaluru has been acquired for $1.78 billion ‌by a consortium comprising Aditya ‌Birla Group, Times ‌of India Group, Bolt ‌Ventures, and Blackstone, the consortium ‌said on Tuesday.

The seller United Spirits, the ‌India arm of UK-based ⁠drinks ‌giant Diageo, launched a strategic ​review of its 100% holding of the ​Bengaluru franchise in November, labeling the team "non-core" to ⁠its ​primary alcohol business.

The growing interest in IPL franchises is driven by rising team ‌revenues and the Twenty20 league's record valuation, which investment bank Houlihan Lokey pegged at $18.5 billion last year.

Aditya Birla Group Director Aryaman Vikram Birla will serve as chairman of ‌the franchise and Satyan ​Gajwani of Times of ‌India Group will serve as vice chairman.

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