Unilever claims to be ready to offer 293 billion rupees (USD 5.4 billion or EUR 4.1 billion) to increase its stake in Hindustan Unilever, its publicly listed subsidiary in India, from 52.48% to up to 75%.

This represents a further step in Unilever’s strategy to invest in emerging markets,” said Paul Polman, CEO Unilever.

The group thus launched a voluntary open offer to acquire up to 487,004,772 shares, representing 22.52% of the total outstanding shares of Hindustan Lever. The offer represents a premium of approximately 29.5% over the mandatory floor price required under Indian regulations and a premium of 26.0% to Hindustan Unilever’s last one month’s average trading share price.

Hindustan Unilever, which is the leading marketer of cosmetic and personal care products in India, with brands such as Axe, Lakmé, Fair and Lovely, Dove, Pepsodent, TRESemmé and Lux, is expecting a strong increase of its profits in 2013.