In an effort to stem a possible counter-bid by China's Sinopec and others, ONGC Videsh Ltd, the overseas exploration subsidiary of state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, has through its advisor Deutsche Bank approached the large institutional investors of Imperial Energy to acquire their holdings.
The promoters of East India Hotels Ltd, owners of the Oberoi brand and the largest hotel chain after the Tata-owned Indian Hotels and ITC Welcome Group, are in advanced discussions with leading corporate houses and private equity firms to divest a strategic stake, possibly 26 per cent.