Herbert Smith Freehills has advised India-based Godrej Consumer Products Limited on its acquisition of a further 34.37 per cent. stake in its artificial hair production and distribution joint venture with the Darling Group, which comprises businesses in the Republic of South Africa and Mozambique.

This is the latest in a series of deals for Godrej's consumer business in Africa on which Herbert Smith Freehills has advised, dating back to 2011. Most recently, in 2014, Herbert Smith Freehills advised Godrej on its acquisition of a 49 per cent. stake in the Darling Group's Nigerian business – which Godrej now wholly owns – and a 4.63 per cent. stake in the South African and Mozambican businesses.

Godrej now owns 90 per cent. of the Darling Group's South African and Mozambican businesses, in line with its intent to gradually scale up its ownership in the Darling Group businesses.

The Herbert Smith Freehills team was led by London based Corporate/M&A partner Gavin Davies and supported by corporate associates Sid Shukla and Patrick Roux, with assistance from Aurell Taussig (tax) and Liz Head (disputes).

Local law advice was provided by CIM Global Business in Mauritius and Couto, Graça & Associados in Mozambique.

Godrej's expansion of its consumer business interests in Africa is a prime example of the increasing flow of Indian investment into Africa. Herbert Smith Freehills is well established as a go-to advisor for clients operating in the growing India-Africa trade corridor and the firm's highly regarded India and Africa Practices continue to see strong performance, having also recently advised Reliance Infrastructure on its first acquisition in the Indian defence sector and Danone on its acquisition of Fan Milk International, West Africa's leading manufacturer and distributor of frozen dairy products.

Gavin Davies commented: "This is a brilliant result for the client and we are delighted to see Godrej Consumer grow. Within a short span of four years, Godrej has already made a big impact in Africa."