Private capital chases Indian consumers despite slowing economy

BENGALURU -- Top dealmakers are queuing up for Indian consumer-focused companies despite an economic slowdown, hoping to benefit from the country's large and still growing population.

Among the investors eyeing a slice of India's consumer spending, which accounts for roughly 56% of the economy and is expected to grow significantly over the long term, are Singapore's Temasek, U.S.-headquartered Alpha Wave and Abu Dhabi's International Holding Company. Last week, the latter two added to Temasek's recent $1 billion investment in snack maker Haldiram's, bringing the total to $1.5 billion, according to Nikkei Asia sources -- one of the largest investments in an Indian brand.