Wellness company VLCC is understood to be toying with the idea of entering the capital market to scale up its operations.
The services business of VLCC spans across 12 cities in 16 countries, where it has direct company-owned operations. It is widely recognised for its scientific weight-loss solutions and therapeutic approach.
When queried on the capital market foray , VLCC founder and mentor Vandana Luthra, declined to comment.
However, sources with knowledge of the development said the Rs.1,000-crore turnover company was exploring the possibility of going public as its funds needs were increasing. The promoters are now holding 82.5 per cent of its equity, private equity funds 15 per cent and the balance by employees under ESOPs.
VLCC has a presence in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Singapore, the UAE, Oman, Bahrain Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. It is now looking to expand its footprints in Africa, and countries such as Korea. VLCC operates mainly through three verticals — fitness centres, vocational training academies, and manufacture of a comprehensive range of herbal and natural body and hair care products.
In an interaction with The Hindu here, Ms. Luthra said 70 per cent of the turnover was accounted for by services and the balance came through retailing of products The company had a manufacturing base in India, Bangladesh, Singapore and Switzerland.
VLCC is now playing a key role as a member of the technical and accreditation committee of the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers to implement quality standards for the wellness industry. Ms. Luthra is the chairperson of the National Skill Development Corporation-funded Beauty and Wellness Sector Skill Council, which is evolving training modules for this sector
“Training is something close to my heart. We are working with 14 State governments and the Centre to empower youth and women to make them independent. When we work with State governments, we are developing modules for the under-privileged sections of the society whose basic courses are sponsored by the government. Our emphasis is on multi-tasking,” she said
“We are also trying to regularise the industry, which is mostly unorganised, and we are getting international experts for this. Efforts are also on to work out a minimum wage structure. In 18-20 months, you will see a lot of things happening,” she said
“I will also try to have a certifying council, which will give a certificate which will then become mandatory for a centre, and every worker therein will have to be certified,” Ms. Luthra said.
