Calcutta, Feb 7 :     Gillette, the $ 10 billion Boston-based multinational, has proposed to merge its three Indian subsidiaries-Indian Shaving Products (ISP), Duracell and Wilkinson Sword. The move is aimed at consolidating its Indian operations, particularly in the areas of personal grooming products for men and batteries. Confirming the proposed amalgamation move, an ISP official said the company board would meet on Wednesday to finalise the details. US consulting major KPMG has been appointed to carry out the due diligence for the proposed merger. 'KPMG will submit its final report on the valuations of the assets of the three companies before the ISP board on Wednesday,' the official said. The proposed merger is also aimed at capturing both the upper and lower segments of the shaving blades market through ISP's strong marketing network, the official added. Sources, however, pointed out that the key factor in the merger was that companies where Gillette has a partnership with the Poddars are being brought together. Earlier, Gillette had plans to set up a wholly-owned subsidiary in India to launch its major global brands. However, the plan failed to materialise due to various reasons, including stiff opposition from its joint venture partners. 'Gillette has now dropped its plan for a wholly-owned subsidiary and wants to strengthen its market-share through ISP,' the official said. The official has also not ruled out the possibility of Gillette raising its stake in the merged entity. 'We are looking forward to the KPMG report, based on which the holding pattern in the new company will be worked out,' the official said. ISP, which manufactures a wide range of shaving products including the 7 O'clock brand, was jointly promoted by Gillette and the House of Poddar Enterprises, with the former holding a 51 per cent stake. The company went onstream in 1986 with a safety razor production capacity of 180 million per annum. The company also entered into a long term licence agreement with the parent to sell its products in the Indian market. Last year, following import relaxations, the company launched the entire Gillette series of products comprising shave gel, shave foam, after-shave lotion, conditioners and deodorants. ISP registered a sales of Rs 102 crore and a net profit of Rs 8.5 crore during the six months ended June 1999. While Wilkinson and ISP are in similar businesses, Duracell does not have any such link. Duracell India produces alkaline batteries while Wilkinson, which was acquired by the Gillette in 1994-95, produces the Wiltech brand of blades to address the lower and medium segments of the market. Gillette, which acquired the Duracell brand globally for $ 8 billion currently has a 25 per cent share in the world's alkaline battery market.