Eternal Limited, formerly known as Zomato Limited, has announced a fresh round of employee stock option (ESOP) grants under its Zomato Employee Stock Option Plan 2021 (ESOP 2021). The Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC) approved the issuance of 10,13,597 stock options to eligible employees at its meeting held on July 21, 2025.

This new grant is part of the company’s continuing efforts to incentivise and retain top talent, aligning employee interests with long-term shareholder value creation.

Grant Details

The stock options granted under ESOP 2021 are convertible into one fully paid-up equity share of face value ₹1 each. The exercise price has been fixed at ₹1 per stock option, making it a highly attractive benefit for employees, especially considering Eternal Limited’s listing status and growth ambitions.

The options are structured with a long-term horizon:

• Exercise period: Within 10 years from the vesting date or 12 years from the date of listing, whichever is later.

• Total coverage: 10,13,597 equity shares, adjusted for any prior corporate actions.

• Lock-in period: None, post-allotment.

The grants have been made in compliance with the SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits and Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2021, and the relevant disclosures have been filed with BSE and NSE.

Employee-Centric Strategy

Eternal Limited’s continued issuance of stock options underscores its belief in employee ownership and performance-linked incentives. The ESOPs serve multiple purposes:

• Retaining high-performing employees in a competitive tech and startup environment.

• Rewarding long-term commitment with tangible equity upside.

• Aligning employees' contributions with company growth and stock market performance.

Though details regarding the number of options vested, exercised, or lapsed are not currently provided, the disclosure confirms that the stock options are valid, transferable (upon vesting), and not subject to any lock-in once exercised.

Corporate Transition and Branding

The announcement comes shortly after Zomato Limited rebranded itself as Eternal Limited, a strategic move that reflects its diversification beyond food delivery into broader consumer internet and technology services. While Zomato remains the flagship brand, the parent entity now oversees multiple platforms including Blinkit (quick commerce), Hyperpure (B2B grocery supplies), and other ventures.

The employee stock option plan is a key tool in this transformation, helping Eternal attract and retain top talent across its expanding business verticals.

What’s Next for Shareholders and Employees?

The grant of over 10 lakh stock options could lead to minor dilution of existing shareholding, depending on how many options are exercised in the future. However, since the exercise price is nominal (₹1), the focus remains on long-term value creation through employee-driven growth.

In line with SEBI’s disclosure norms, Eternal Limited has published the full details of the ESOP grant on its website and stock exchange filings.

Investors and analysts will now look toward Eternal’s next quarterly results to gauge the financial impact and future trajectory of its consolidated businesses.

Conclusion

With this latest ESOP grant, Eternal Limited reinforces its employee-first approach, offering equity participation at a highly favorable price, thus strengthening its internal capabilities as it eyes the next phase of growth in India’s fast-evolving digital economy.

The stock options granted today reflect Eternal’s confidence in its people, its business model, and its commitment to building long-term shareholder value through strategic and inclusive growth.

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