Adar Poonawalla in talks to buy RCB

Serum Institute of India Chief Executive Officer Adar Poonawalla is in talks with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) owners Diageo Plcto possibly acquire the Indian Premier League's (IPL) 2025 champion, a source close to the development said.

- ROSHNI SHEKHAR

Emails sent to Diageo India and Poonawalla’s office did not elicit a response till the press time. It is not yet clear if Diageo Plc is looking to sell its complete stake in RCB. Diageo Plc is the parent company of United Spirits.

“Adar Poonawalla is the front runner for acquiring RCB among other interested parties,” said sources close to the development.

The British multinational alcoholic beverage company is looking at around $2 billion in RCB’s valuation, according to media reports.

Even in terms of business value, RCB was in the top position this year, Houlihan Lokey noted in its IPL Valuation Study 2025 report.