In a major global validation for Chennai’s very own food brand, Bodhi Tree Systems, the strategic investment firm founded by James Murdoch and Uday Shankar, on Thursday announced a $180 million investment in sweets and savouries brand Adyar Ananda Bhavan (A2B).
The transaction marks one of the largest such deals in the Indian food services landscape. The partnership will focus on strengthening A2B’s leadership and talent, building digital capability, modernising its kitchens and manufacturing to meet global standards, expanding its range of healthy and nutritious food, and growing its restaurants and packaged foods across India and in global the markets.
Uday Shankar will serve as Chairperson of A2B’s new Board of Directors. One of South India’s leading food brands, A2B operates more than 160 outlets in India and over 30 internationally.
A2B is Bodhi Tree’s third investment in India after Allen Career Institute and JioStar.
“A2B has earned the trust of millions of families through its consistent and reliable quality. While it is a formidable brand in India, we are equally impressed by the scale and reach of its operations in Singapore, the US, Australia, Malaysia, and the UK. We look forward to working with the team to take its authentic cuisine to a far broader global audience,” said James Murdoch and Uday Shankar, Co-founders of Bodhi Tree Systems, in a statement. Sources in the know told businessline that A2B’s rationale is to work with a firm that can help them expand and modernise the business before going for public listing in a few years.
Going deeper into the existing markets, expanding globally, and growing the snacks business is among the key priorities in aligning with Bodhi Tree Systems, the person said.
“What began as a sweet shop started by my brother and me 50 years ago is now part of daily life for millions of families, and we are proud of every one of our people who made that possible. We are excited to begin this next chapter with Bodhi Tree,” said KT Srinivasa Raja, Co-founder, A2B.
He added that the team will now endeavour to make A2B a company fit for the public markets. Veda Corporate Advisors acted as exclusive financial advisor to A2B for the transaction This is the 40th deal in the consumer and retail sector for the investment banker.
Published on November 12, 2026
