BackClaim over Mansion House curious: Amit Dahanukar
The chairman and managing director of Tilaknagar Industries says in an interview that he finds ABD and Jansen claiming rights over Mansion House very curious
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It’s when Mansion House became a millionaire brand and started being featured in international drinks journals and publications then Herman Jansen seems to have realized how popular and successful Mansion House has become in India, says Amit Dahanukar, chairman and managing director of Tilaknagar Industries. Edited excerpts from an interview:
How close are you with Kishore Chhabria?
I am very close to Kishore Chhabriaji. He is like my elder brother. He has always been the most courteous to me and my family. Being from the same industry we have known each other for long. Our relationship is based on mutual respect and regards, which is why this event of ABD (Allied Blenders and Distillers) and Jansen claiming rights over Mansion House is very curious. In fact, when we heard the rumours that such a press conference (on 21 August) was called, I personally spoke to Kishoreji and he categorically refuted it expressing he would not do anything which would be construed as hostile. We hope that the judiciary is not disrespected and mutual love and regards are not thrown into the winds.
Allied Blenders and Distillers (ABD) is saying the ownership is still with Herman Jensen? How do you counter this?
We have the utmost of regards for Jansen. He had connections with Tilaknagar Industries from before I was born. However, since I took over the company in 2004 we have had no business connections. Having said that, Herman Jansen ceded these marks to Tilaknagar Industries in 1987 vide a valid agreement. They were also facing a court action in Rotterdam, which would have held them liable to huge penalties if they used Mansion House trademarks to market any other beverages other than Scotch whisky. At that point in time, they were more optimistic about their Scotch whisky business in Europe and the Americas. Hence, they decided to cede the marks to Tilaknagar Industries Ltd in 1987.
What can explain their silence for over two decades when both the companies have not done any trade amongst them? It is now a matter of fact that the Mansion House business in India far exceeds the business of Herman Jansen worldwide. It is a matter of convenience, that after two decades, their interest has rekindled in the brand. It’s when Mansion House became a millionaire brand and started being featured in international drinks journals and publications then Herman Jansen seems to have realized how popular and successful Mansion House has become in India. One can best describe this as a case of sour grapes.
If ABD is successful, Tilaknagar Industries will become irrelevant as you are hugely dependent on Mansion House brand?
We are confident that the facts and circumstances are fully in our favour. This has also been upheld by the Bombay high court. As regards the importance of Mansion House brand, I have already reiterated above, that Tilaknagar Industries has also cultivated other brands and markets. Hypothetical conjectures about sub-judice matters are irrelevant and show irreverence to our judiciary.
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