In 1998 Tata sold off their 50% stake in the cosmetic products company Lakmé to HUL for , and created Trent from the money it made through the sale. All shareholders of Lakmé were given different shares in Trent.
In 1998, Tata divested their 50% ownership in Lakmé cosmetics to Hindustan Unilever (HUL) for an undisclosed amount. This transaction generated revenue that Tata utilized to launch a new company called Trent.  Lakmé shareholders were given shares in the newly formed Trent as part of this deal.