New Delhi: Quick service restaurant operator Devyani International Ltd (DIL) and cinema exhibitor PVR Inox on Tuesday said they will jointly set up a company to develop and operate food courts within shopping malls in India.

The partnership will empower DIL and PVR INOX to reach a wider audience and enhance their market presence, the two companies said in a joint statement.

“This partnership further strengthens DIL's position in the food court business in India and paves the way for additional growth and expansion opportunities...DIL is committed to expanding its food court business in India, which is the strategic future is one of the growth pillars of DIL,” said Rao Jaipuria, DIL Non-Executive Chairman.

Ajay Bijli, Managing Director, PVR Inox, said that through this opportunity PVR Inox will be able to enter the pre-ticketed F&B revenue stream, while the existing post-ticketed F&B revenue is dependent on the movie line-up.

He further added, “This is the first of many steps we will be taking to grow our F&B business. Additionally, our ability to co-promote both films and food to an audience of 150 million will be further enhanced by this collaboration.” Will be the USP."