Bira 91 Financial Challenges and Leadership Change

Ankur Jain, the founder of Bira 91’s parent company B9 Beverages, has resigned from the company’s board after entering a settlement agreement with lenders and institutional shareholders, as reported by The Economic Times. This agreement has resulted in the promoter family’s relinquishment of executive powers in return for relief from personal liabilities, effectively concluding a two-year dispute.

Financial Struggles of B9 Beverages

B9 Beverages has encountered increasing financial difficulties over recent years. The company recorded a net loss of Rs 748.8 crore against an operating revenue of Rs 638.5 crore for FY24. With cash flow problems, missed salary payments, and legal challenges from creditors, investors had advocated for a complete overhaul of management, which included Jain’s departure.

Unreported Financial Statements

Furthermore, B9 Beverages has not revealed its financial statements for FY25 and FY26, which raises concerns among stakeholders. The company’s financial issues and creditor disputes have also resulted in proceedings at the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). The situation deteriorated after an unsuccessful corporate rebranding effort that allegedly cost approximately Rs 80 crore, following a change in its registered corporate name.

Future Steps for B9 Beverages

Supported by investors like Peak XV Partners, Sofina, and Kirin Holdings, B9 Beverages is now looking towards an out-of-court restructuring and seeking new capital to stabilise its operations.

Employee Concerns at B9 Beverages

Additionally, there has been significant pressure from employees. By late 2025, over 250 employees had addressed the board and key investors regarding delayed salaries and concerns over corporate governance issues. B9 Beverages had incurred considerable debt from lenders, such as Anicut Capital and the family office of Hero Corporate Services, with total borrowings reaching nearly Rs 1,000 crore. Jain had even provided personal guarantees for some of these loans, as noted in the report.