ITV

Tag: M&A

  • Doms Industries inks 51 per cent stake in Super Treads to bulk up stationery play

    Doms Industries inks 51 per cent stake in Super Treads to bulk up stationery play

    MUMBAI: Doms Industries Limited has acquired a 51 per cent equity stake in Super Treads Private Limited (STPL) for up to Rs 6.12 crore, the company confirmed after a board meeting held on May 19. The strategic acquisition will be executed through a secondary share purchase, subject to due diligence and regulatory clearances.

    The move is aimed at strengthening Doms’ manufacturing base in the paper stationery segment and extending its reach in eastern India. STPL, which has been in operation for over two decades, has built its niche as an OEM supplier specialising in notebooks and paper stationery.

    “Our proposed acquisition of a majority stake in STPL is a key step in enhancing our manufacturing capacities and geographically diversifying our paper stationery infrastructure to efficiently reach our consumers, thus further strengthening our competitiveness in this segment,” said Doms Industries Ltd MD Santosh Raveshia.

    He added, “This investment aligns with our vision of leveraging our growing brand reputation and well-entrenched distribution network to deliver our unique and differentiated range of products at the most competitive prices. With Rakesh Maheshwari and his team, we have got this wonderful opportunity to partner with great technocrats, like-minded entrepreneurs who have a great zeal to offer something unique to the market. We are confident that this partnership would lead to significant long-term growth and value creation for all of us”.

    STPL promoter director Rakesh Kumar Maheshwari described the deal as a strategic inflection point. “This partnership represents a strategic milestone for our company, combining our manufacturing expertise with Doms’ national distribution capabilities and established brand. This collaboration will be instrumental in realising our full potential and enable us to explore opportunities, thereby unlocking new avenues for growth and innovation. In Doms, we have found a perfect strategic partner to help us pursue a brand-led business journey”, he said.

    Once finalised, STPL will become part of the broader Doms Group portfolio, which already includes Pioneer Stationery Private Ltd, Micro Wood Private Limited, Skido Industries Private Limited, Uniclan Healthcare Private Limited and associate firm Clapjoy Innovations Private Ltd.

    Marathon Capital Advisory Private Limited served as the strategic advisor to Doms on this acquisition.

  • Darwin effect: 3-4 telcos may Jio after potential M&As

    Darwin effect: 3-4 telcos may Jio after potential M&As

    MUMBAI: When you can’t fight them, join them. Discretion is the best part of valor — are some of the quotable quotes that one has heard. They seem to be proving right in the context of the neck-and-neck race among the existing rivals and a new entrant in the Indian telecom space.

    The new entrant Reliance Jio has caused a considerable disruption in the space. No matter it is working out to the benefit of the consumer and helping the industry expand albeit at a much lower cost to the end-user, well-entrenched rivals now are on a slippery wicket.

    Vodafone India for example is considering its options of a possible merger with one of the existing rivals. Or, the things could take such a turn that it may be inclined to join the tough new entrant — Jio.

    On the other hand, the leading telco Bharti Airtel too launched a number of schemes to face competition. Meanwhile, Airtel is reportedly in discussion to buy Telenor’s India business in a deal that will involve taking on debt of Rs 1,500 crore to take on Reliance Jio. Telenor operates in six of the 22 telecom circles in India and offers 2G services to its 45 million users.

    Although, there were reports that Vodafone may be seeking merger with Idea or Jio, experts believe a merger with the former was a possibility. Vodafone had launched several tariffs to browbeat competition from Airtel and Jio. The Indian unit is reportedly seeking a merger with one of the top telecom companies following intensified competition. Vodafone may be keen for a possible tie-up with Idea, Jio or another of the top three providers. Jio’s aggressive tariffs and heavy investments started impacting competitor a few weeks after it entered.

    Experts opine that the industry is prepared for a major consolidation with smaller companies such as Telenor likely to be bought over and middle-level companies such as Reliance Communication and Aircel seeking mergers. The exercise will eventually leave space for some 3-4 players.

    But, there is some apprehension. With two decades of existence, it may be a bit early to expect merger for Idea or Vodafone. Vodafone may rather go for a buyout.

    In September 2016, Vodafone invested Rs 47,700 crore in the Indian unit, most of which was used to reduce debt to Rs 35,430 crore by the end of second quarter of 2016-17. By September, the Indian company had 200 million mobile customers. In November, Vodafone cut the valuation of its Indian unit by GBP 5 billion owing to stiff competition.

  • Darwin effect: 3-4 telcos may Jio after potential M&As

    Darwin effect: 3-4 telcos may Jio after potential M&As

    MUMBAI: When you can’t fight them, join them. Discretion is the best part of valor — are some of the quotable quotes that one has heard. They seem to be proving right in the context of the neck-and-neck race among the existing rivals and a new entrant in the Indian telecom space.

    The new entrant Reliance Jio has caused a considerable disruption in the space. No matter it is working out to the benefit of the consumer and helping the industry expand albeit at a much lower cost to the end-user, well-entrenched rivals now are on a slippery wicket.

    Vodafone India for example is considering its options of a possible merger with one of the existing rivals. Or, the things could take such a turn that it may be inclined to join the tough new entrant — Jio.

    On the other hand, the leading telco Bharti Airtel too launched a number of schemes to face competition. Meanwhile, Airtel is reportedly in discussion to buy Telenor’s India business in a deal that will involve taking on debt of Rs 1,500 crore to take on Reliance Jio. Telenor operates in six of the 22 telecom circles in India and offers 2G services to its 45 million users.

    Although, there were reports that Vodafone may be seeking merger with Idea or Jio, experts believe a merger with the former was a possibility. Vodafone had launched several tariffs to browbeat competition from Airtel and Jio. The Indian unit is reportedly seeking a merger with one of the top telecom companies following intensified competition. Vodafone may be keen for a possible tie-up with Idea, Jio or another of the top three providers. Jio’s aggressive tariffs and heavy investments started impacting competitor a few weeks after it entered.

    Experts opine that the industry is prepared for a major consolidation with smaller companies such as Telenor likely to be bought over and middle-level companies such as Reliance Communication and Aircel seeking mergers. The exercise will eventually leave space for some 3-4 players.

    But, there is some apprehension. With two decades of existence, it may be a bit early to expect merger for Idea or Vodafone. Vodafone may rather go for a buyout.

    In September 2016, Vodafone invested Rs 47,700 crore in the Indian unit, most of which was used to reduce debt to Rs 35,430 crore by the end of second quarter of 2016-17. By September, the Indian company had 200 million mobile customers. In November, Vodafone cut the valuation of its Indian unit by GBP 5 billion owing to stiff competition.

  • Facebook-FICCI to promote social sector innovations

    Facebook-FICCI to promote social sector innovations

    NEW DELHI: The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and Facebook have joined to augment the Millennium Alliance (MA) initiative.

    Facebook has joined hands with FICCI as an Outreach and Knowledge partner to support and expand the development of the social enterprise sector in India. Both share the commitment to promote replication and scale of the selected social enterprise innovations across the South Asia and Africa regions in the identified priority areas of sanitation, education, health care, clean energy and agriculture.

    Facebook and FICCI together will also engage in organizing regular workshops & webinars for shortlisted applicants to promote the effectiveness of Facebook as a tool for promoting business and social innovations apart from helping them reach out and connect to relevant resources globally.

    The Millennium Alliance is an inclusive platform to leverage Indian creativity, expertise, and resources to identify, scale and expand the outreach of innovative solutions being developed and tested in India to address development challenges that will benefit ‘base of the pyramid’ populations across India and the world.

    The Millennium Alliance (MA) was launched in July 2012 jointly by the Technology Development Board of the Department of Science and Technology; USAID and FICCI to recognize India’s role as a global innovation laboratory, by identifying, testing and scaling solutions that leverage private and public sector resources and expertise to reduce the cost and increase the reach of development improvements in India and around the world. ICICI Foundation for Inclusive Growth, ICCo Cooperation, UKAID, WISH Foundation & World Bank subsequently came on board as Program Partners. The MA aims to create significant developmental impact at the base of the pyramid population. So far, MA has funded 62 projects, dispersing close to Rs. 55,00,00,000 in its key focus sectors.

  • Facebook-FICCI to promote social sector innovations

    Facebook-FICCI to promote social sector innovations

    NEW DELHI: The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and Facebook have joined to augment the Millennium Alliance (MA) initiative.

    Facebook has joined hands with FICCI as an Outreach and Knowledge partner to support and expand the development of the social enterprise sector in India. Both share the commitment to promote replication and scale of the selected social enterprise innovations across the South Asia and Africa regions in the identified priority areas of sanitation, education, health care, clean energy and agriculture.

    Facebook and FICCI together will also engage in organizing regular workshops & webinars for shortlisted applicants to promote the effectiveness of Facebook as a tool for promoting business and social innovations apart from helping them reach out and connect to relevant resources globally.

    The Millennium Alliance is an inclusive platform to leverage Indian creativity, expertise, and resources to identify, scale and expand the outreach of innovative solutions being developed and tested in India to address development challenges that will benefit ‘base of the pyramid’ populations across India and the world.

    The Millennium Alliance (MA) was launched in July 2012 jointly by the Technology Development Board of the Department of Science and Technology; USAID and FICCI to recognize India’s role as a global innovation laboratory, by identifying, testing and scaling solutions that leverage private and public sector resources and expertise to reduce the cost and increase the reach of development improvements in India and around the world. ICICI Foundation for Inclusive Growth, ICCo Cooperation, UKAID, WISH Foundation & World Bank subsequently came on board as Program Partners. The MA aims to create significant developmental impact at the base of the pyramid population. So far, MA has funded 62 projects, dispersing close to Rs. 55,00,00,000 in its key focus sectors.

  • CNBC-TV18’s ‘The Firm’ presents a special series, ‘COMPANIES, ACT!’

    CNBC-TV18’s ‘The Firm’ presents a special series, ‘COMPANIES, ACT!’

    MUMBAI: CNBC-TV18’s ‘The Firm’ enjoys the distinction of being Indian television’s only show dedicated exclusively to corporate law, governance, M&A, tax and audit matters. The Firm is hence, best poised to present ‘Companies, Act!’ – an extremely topical special series, over the next few weeks. Through 8-10 episodes, the show will showcase the best minds in business, finance, law and accounting to bring you an in-depth analysis of what the new Companies Act, 2013 means for corporate India and its stakeholders.

     

    From 1st April, 2014, The Companies Act, 2013 is finally a reality – with 29 chapters, 7 schedules, 470 sections (only 282 operational as of now) and 19 chapters of Rules (operational). Each one of India’s over 9 lakh companies will now have to exist, operate, grow and govern as per this landmark, new legal architecture.

     

    From incorporation to capital raising, governance, board management, accounting and audit, M&A, litigation and bankruptcy – ‘Companies, Act!’ will cover every aspect of the impact of this new law on India Inc.

     

    Tune in to CNBC-TV18 to watch ‘Companies, Act!’ every Saturday at 10:00 pm and every Sunday at 6:30 pm from 19th April, 2014.

     

    The Firm on CNBC-TV18 is an industry benchmark in covering the latest in corporate law, governance, taxation and auditing. With India leading the emerging markets promise and as Indian corporates make global moves and investment flows deepen, shareholder protection strategies, merger & acquisition tactics and taxation issues will be critical to success. Hosted by Menaka Doshi, The Firm is the one-stop destination to stay abreast of the rapid developments in this space.

     

  • Mergers and acquisition policy being given final touches

    Mergers and acquisition policy being given final touches

    NEW DELHI: Though the Department of Telecom (DoT) is expected to drop the three-year mandatory lock-in period for promoters of telecom companies under the new mergers and acquisition rules expected this week, the recent reports of high reserve price for spectrum may prove to be counter-productive.

    Initially, the government had introduced the lock-in period to prevent speculative players from misusing the opportunity to sell spectrum at market price after acquiring spectrum from the government under the first-come-first-served policy.

    But since fresh spectrum allocation is being done only through auction and older players who had got spectrum under the earlier dispensation have completed more than three years, the government has decided that the lock-in period is not necessary.

    The draft of the M&A norms say that “Further lock-in condition may hamper the progress and roll out of capital intensive telecom projects as shareholders may not be able to invest further equity.”

    Industry sources feel that some of the players in each circle may want to leave because of poor financial returns and increasing debt.

    The proposed M&A policy may not allow such players to leave, and rules are clear on issues such as spectrum trading, and the draft also says the buyer will have to pay the government the market price for any spectrum the seller holds under the older dispensation of first-come-first-served.

    While the TRAI had initially proposed a flat fee, the DoT is keen to retain the existing slab system where operators with higher amount of spectrum have to pay a higher revenue share. 

  • Digitisation to propel pay-TV revenue to $17 billion by 2017 , MPA report

    Digitisation to propel pay-TV revenue to $17 billion by 2017 , MPA report

    MUMBAI: Propelled by the government’s digitisation drive, pay TV revenues in India are projected to reach $17 billion by 2020 as opposed to the $7.8 billion in 2012, according to a new report by Singapore-based pay-TV research firm Media Partners Asia (MPA).

    According to India Pay-TV & Broadband Markets, pay TV revenues are expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.4 per cent from 2012-17 and 10.2 per cent between 2012 and 2020.

    MPA forecasts indicate that total digital pay-TV homes will grow from 47 million in 2012 to 110 million by 2017 and 130 million by 2020.

    The digital penetration of total pay-TV homes in the country is expected to double to almost 70 per cent by 2020 from 35 per cent in 2012. The digital pay-TV penetration of TV homes in India will grow from 28 per cent in 2012 to 54 per cent by 2017, and reach 60 per cent by 2020.

    On the other hand, the total pay-TV homes are expected to grow from 128 million 2012 to 167 million by 2017, and 183 million by 2020. Pay-TV penetration of TV homes will grow from 80 per cent to 85 per cent between 2012 and 2020, adjusted for multiple connections in a household.

    This implies that the pay-TV industry will remain in a prolonged investment mode, with significant capital intensity. With two more phase of digitisation to go, both DTH and cable operators already have high levels of debt. The majority of additional funding will have to come through equity, via IPOs and M&A, the MPA report states.

    “A successful start for the roll-out of digital addressable systems (DAS) has revived interest in pay-TV among strategic and financial investors,” says MPA executive director Vivek Couto.

    “The real benefits will become clearer in 2H 2013 and beyond, as multi-system operators (MSOs) drive addressability and work with last mile local cable operators (LCOs) to ramp up tiering, billing and collections. Regulators are committed to curbing delays in the next phases of DAS, while the DTH industry is keen to revive growth by capitalising on digital transition.”

    Cable impact: Over the medium term, the majority of cable investments will be directed towards digital infrastructure, helping to build operator scale and improved addressability. In the long run, investments will be more focused towards acquiring primary subscriber points and the expansion of high-ARPU products such as broadband and HDTV.

    According to MPA, the total proportion of cable households with DAS climb from 15 per cent in 2012 to 50 per cent by 2020.

    DTH growth: In the DTH space, concerns focus on the growth of active subs (i.e. paying customers, net of churn and subscriber suspension), which has moderated in recent times. MPA says that the growth in active subs will rebound however, as more markets undergo analog switch-off. MPA forecasts indicate that active DTH subs will grow from 32 million in 2012 to 64 million by 2017, and 77 million by 2020.

    Broadcasters: Subscription fees for pay-TV channels crossed US$1 billion in 2012, driven by the growing strength of aggregators. This growth has yet to factor in digitalisation, which will result in a bigger share of subscription revenue for broadcasters. Operating margins will remain under pressure in the short-to-medium term, due to heavy investments in content for existing channels and gestation losses on new channel launches.

    MPA expects total pay-TV channel revenues, including advertising and subscription to grow from $3.6 billion in 2012 to $6.6 billion by 2017 and to $8.6 billion by 2020. The pay-TV ad market is expected to grow at a 10 per cent CAGR over 2012-20, while broadcaster subscription revenues are expected to grow at 15 per cent over the same period.

  • Fremantlemedia makes additions to drama catalogue ahead of MipTV

    Fremantlemedia makes additions to drama catalogue ahead of MipTV

    MUMBAI: Televisioon format owner and distributor FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) has announced the acquisition of two drama shows which will launch at the television trade event MipTV in April.

    The shows are Love You To Death and The Best Years. They join FME’s expanding drama portfolio.

    The dark, funny Love You To Death stars filmmmaker John Waters Pink Flamingos, Hairspray in his television series debut as the ‘Groom Reaper’. It and tells the twisted, inspired-by-reality tales of spouses who have killed their loved, or not-so-loved ones.

    The series is scheduled later this year in the US on Court TV as ‘Til Death Do Us Part and Global Television in Canada. It will be on offer to buyers worldwide from FME at MipTV for both TV (excluding the US) and DVD (excluding Canada).
    As the ‘Groom Reaper’, Waters guides viewers through bizarre stories and cases of wedded woe, with his trademark wry sense of humour and definite macabre sensibility. Each episode – inspired by true crimes – dramatises the stories of ill-fated husbands and wives and reveals the flaws in what the killers thought was the perfect crime – like in the case of the ‘spend-a-holic’ spouse, who poisoned their other half to claim the life insurance, only to find that the cheque for the poison bounced! In each episode, viewers follow a murderous trail to find out whodunit and will be on the edge of their seats until the very end, as things are not always as they seem.

    The Best Years follows a group of friends through the ups and downs of college life. It’s an insight into the real-life drama that is university – the excitement and pressures that go hand in hand with newfound independence.

    Leaving her foster-home past behind, Samantha Best (Charity Shea) arrives on a scholarship for freshman year at the prestigious Charles University in Boston, MA and sets about finding her feet in the hallowed halls; not to mention finding a whole new set of friends – and ‘frenemies’ – along the way.

    As Samantha learns to juggle academic pressures, the perils of the social scene, friction with roommates and liaisons with lovers, The Best Years will be compulsive viewing as she and this sometimes dysfunctional college family make their way together.

    FME CEO David Ellender says, “We are delighted to add these two unique dramas from Blueprint Entertainment to our burgeoning portfolio of fine scripted entertainment, which we are committed to expanding further throughout 2007. We are thrilled to be launching both Love You To Death and The Best Years at MipTV. This gives broadcasters from around the world the chance to be the first on board with what will be very highly-prized additions to any schedule line-up for 2007.”