Emami Limited (BSE:531162) is eyeing acquisitions or “strategic investments” across the digital space. The aim is to strengthen its presence in premium and niche categories, and enter those where it does not yet have a presence. Apart from FMCG, including consumer care, the company may explore acquisition opportunities in healthcare space. The move comes on the back of e-commerce sales doubling for Emami and with discretionary-spend items such as personal care and male-grooming products witnessing improved demand. According to Harsha V Agarwal, Director, Emami, is open to invest up to INR 1,000 million for strategic investment and partnership with “digital-first brands”. Acquisitions will be explored “only if there is a strong strategic fit, high growth opportunity and right price.” “We see huge opportunities in the digital space and have identified it as an important strategic area for investment for the next few years. Growing our own brands through various initiatives, partnering with digital-first brands and acquisitions are a few major initiatives through which we wish to take advantage,” he told BusinessLine. A favourable cash balance and absence of debt are seen as main pivots for the company to explore inorganic growth routes. The promoter share pledge has also been reduced significantly, say market sources. “We remain debt-free at Emami and have favourable cash surplus. If a good opportunity comes in the healthcare space, we will take a look at it, too,” Agarwal said. “It is not that we have created a war-chest or are focussing on inorganic growth, per say. But an investment of up to INR 1,000 million in strategic partnerships or partnering with digital-first brands looks pretty reasonable.” “As of now, we are not launching any digital-specific brands. The mother brands are quite strong and we would like to continue with them in the online channels. The company can explore the possibility of sub-brands, if required,” Agarwal said. According to him, the company is looking for “good strategic acquisitions” in international markets, including Bangladesh.