Lite Bite Foods is under Gyan Enterprises, which also manages numerous brands including Youmee, Street Foods by Punjab Grill, Asia Seven, Hahn’s Kitchen, Tres, and Zambar.
“The Lite Bite Foods promoters are focused on unlocking value and are therefore looking into selling a majority stake in the company,” stated one source, noting that a new investor could significantly enhance Lite Bite Foods, which boasts a pan-India presence.
Interestingly, Rohit Aggarwal, director and co-founder of Lite Bite Foods, recently announced his retirement after 24 years of leadership, alongside co-founder and chairman Amit Burman.
Another source mentioned that initial outreach has been made to potential buyers, with private equity firms likely to show interest in the proposed sale.
A third source revealed that investment bank Investec is serving as the sell-side advisor for this transaction.
The three sources above requested anonymity when speaking to Moneycontrol.
In response to an email query from Moneycontrol, a spokesperson for the Burman family noted, “We do not comment on market speculation. However, we frequently receive unsolicited interest in our business, especially considering that Lite Bite Foods has grown to be one of India’s largest casual dining brands focused on Indian and Asian cuisines.”
When reached out to, Investec opted not to comment.
Some notable examples of PE-backed F&B platforms include Social and Smoke House Deli operator Impressario Restaurants, backed by the India Resurgence Fund (IndiaRF), Masala Library and Farzi Café by Massive Restaurants with Gaja Capital, and Dindigul Thalappakatti, supported by CX Partners, along with Theobroma, which was purchased by ChrysCapital.
Lens on Lite Bite Foods
Founded in 2002, the firm combines traditional and modern F&B concepts.
According to its website, Lite Bite Foods encompasses 19 owned and 5 managed brands, with locations in Delhi NCR, Chennai, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Bhubaneshwar, Lucknow, Kochi, Indore, and Ahmedabad. Its international markets include Singapore, Washington DC, Abu Dhabi, and Bangkok. The company also operates F&B outlets at several airports, including those in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore.
As per data from private market platform Tracxn, Lite Bite Foods experienced a 12% increase in revenues, rising from ₹659.8 crore in FY23-24 to ₹735.8 crore in FY 24-25.
F&B M&A on the rise in India
The potential major stake sale in Lite Bite Foods aligns with a noticeable uptick in deal activity within India’s F&B sector.
Recently, Moneycontrol reported that Advent International is in advanced talks with Avendus Capital and EY regarding advisory roles as the global private equity firm prepares to sell DFM Foods, over six years after its investment in the popular snacks brand Crax.
Interestingly, in June, Advent International revealed a $150 million investment for a minority stake in Iscon Balaji Foods Private Limited, an Indian leader in processed frozen potato products.
Earlier, on April 23, Moneycontrol reported that Vahdam India, a D2C wellness brand based in Noida, backed by 360 One Asset Management, Fireside Ventures, and Sixth Sense Ventures, had begun the process to sell a majority stake. The company specializes in green tea, herbal infusions, and supplements.
Additionally, in February, Moneycontrol noted that the popular gourmet doughnut chain Mad Over Donuts, founded by entrepreneur Lokesh Bharwani and operated by Himesh Foods Private Limited, initiated a stake sale process.
Previously, investors such as Temasek, Alpha Wave Global, ChrysCapital, Vixar (formerly Arpwood Partners), General Atlantic, Inspira Global, and Marico have invested in companies like Haldiram’s, Theobroma, Belgian Waffle, Balaji Wafers, Restaurant Brands Asia, and 4700 BC.
The merger of Devyani International and Sapphire Foods, both part of the Yum! Brands portfolio, will streamline KFC and Pizza Hut outlets nationwide.
