Ixigo, a travel broker, will acquire a 51% stake in Zoop Web Services Private Limited, a train meal delivery service provider
Zoop is an IRCTC-authorized e-catering partner that provides lunch options on trains throughout India
Zoop operates 192 stations and works with 400 restaurants
The acquisition, worth Rs 12.54 crore, involves main and secondary share acquisitions and includes a non-compete fee
On October 24, 2024, Ixigo's board accepted the acquisition, which is likely to close by the end of the year, subject to certain conditions
Ixigo will gain control of Zoop's operations as a subsidiary through a combination of primary and secondary share purchases
The contract involves cash and electronic payments totalling Rs 12.54 crore
Ixigo has the option to acquire the remaining 49% ownership in Zoop, allowing for future growth dependent on performance and market conditions
With this acquisition, ixigo hopes to enhance its products in the train travel category, which has significant development potential
Following Zoop's takeover, Ixigo introduced the "Food on Train" feature, allowing users to pre-order meals at various railway stops