JCB Salons India raises Rs 40 Cr from Blacksoil for strategic expansion

Salon chain JCB (Jean Claude Biguine) Salons India has raised Rs 40 crore ($4.8 million) from  alternative credit platform Blacksoil.

JCB Salons has utilised the funds to acquire Spalon, a homegrown salon chain, for expansion into South India, the company said in a press release. The capital will also be used for working capital and creating operational efficiencies for the group.

Launched in 2006 in India, JCB Salons operates around 18 salons in Mumbai, Pune, and Bengaluru. The company claims to serve 1,500 customers per month. Globally, it runs operations in 20 countries with 400 salons and spas. Spalon is a spa and salon brand with over 27 branches across Southern India.

Combining JCB's expertise and Spalon's understanding of the domestic market, the joint entity eyes a foothold in West and South India markets.

In February last year, JCB Salon’s long time chief executive Samir Srivastav quit the company to join Looks Salon as CEO.

JCB Salons raised Rs 157 crore (nearly $19 million) to date and counts RARE Enterprises, the investment arm of late Rakesh Jhunjhunwala as a key investor.

JCB Salon India saw its operating revenue increase to Rs 50.66 crore in FY23 from Rs 34.63 crore in FY22. During the period, the firm turned profitable with Rs 1 crore profit from Rs 57 lakh loss in the previous fiscal year.

As per the company, it achieved 5-6% year-on-year growth in FY24. However, the company is yet to file audited annual financial statements for the last financial year.

As per industry reports, the Indian beauty market is projected to reach approximately $580 billion by 2027, with an estimated growth of 6% annually.

Of late, a clutch of legacy and established businesses have raised strategic money from institutional investors. In May, 17-year-old performance wear brand TechnoSport raised $21 million from A91 Partners in its first external fundraise. In the same month, fast fashion omnichannel ethnic wear brand Libas also raised $18 million by ICICI Venture’s fund IAF Series 5 in its maiden external funding.