West Asia war stalls Titan’s $4 bn Gulf market bet, delays Damas expansion
Kalyan Jewellers, Joyalukkas and Jos Alukkas, are not buying fresh inventory and are feeling the heat of the crisis, according to the same people.Titan and Kalyan Jewellers declined to comment to Mint's queries. Queries mailed to Joyalukkas and Jos Alukkas did not elicit a response until press time.This setback amid the escalating war between the US-Israel and Iran comes at a crucial juncture, as Titan's Gulf business is in a turnaround phase.In the company's post-acquisition call, chief financial officer Ashok Sonthalia had said 2025 would be a “restructuring year”, with the business expected to remain earnings-dilutive until 2027, and turn positive only from 2028, making any delay more consequential.According to Titan's December earnings call, it has completed acquisition of a 67% stake in Dubai-based Damas Jewellery, marking the closure of the $283 million deal and indicating that all required regulatory approvals have been secured.
The transaction gave Titan majority control and made Damas a subsidiary, with its financials being consolidated from 1 January 2026.Strategically, Titan plans to retain Damas as a distinct brand in the Gulf region, catering to the local segment rather than folding it into Tanishq. Any store conversions will be selective and based on catchment suitability, with no large-scale rebranding planned.
The company has kicked off the early integration steps. However, its key aspects remain evolving.
Titan has not disclosed a final number of store conversions or a long-term network restructuring plan.After the acquisition, Titan’s store network in the region expanded to 161 outlets, including 146 Damas stores, alongside its existing Tanishq and Mia presence, capturing about 75% market share. This
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