Ishita Russell, New Delhi

Stories by Ishita Russell, New Delhi

Satyam: IBM, WL Ross tie-up buzz gets stronger

Satyam: IBM, WL Ross tie-up buzz gets stronger

Rediff.com   2 Apr 2009

The buzz refuses to die down even though other PE players, investment bankers and analysts say such an alliance is highly unlikely. Wilbur Ross, meanwhile, is understood to have completed the due diligence of the scam-tainted IT company. When contacted, a company official declined comment.

Bharti, AXA likely to end mutual fund tie-up

Bharti, AXA likely to end mutual fund tie-up

Rediff.com   1 Apr 2009

While a company spokesperson said Bharti would either dilute its stake or exit the venture, the fund house is trying to rope in a bank to strengthen its distribution network. In addition, an asset management venture is seen to have closer links with banks, which are looking to offer a wide range of financial products.

Fiscal lesson: Money scarce, use it wisely

Fiscal lesson: Money scarce, use it wisely

Rediff.com   31 Mar 2009

The aggression shown by corporate houses till not a long ago has given way for consolidation in the backdrop of current economic downturn and the companies in the next fiscal, beginning tomorrow, would need to focus on growing their core businesses and conserving the resources, global consultancy firm PwC executive director Sanjeev Krishnan told PTI.

Telecom tower biz to see high frequency battle

Telecom tower biz to see high frequency battle

Rediff.com   30 Mar 2009

The telecom tower-transmission business is going to see a shake-up with cash-rich and independent companies moving in with aggressive plans.

Teams from bidders camp at Satyam HQ

Teams from bidders camp at Satyam HQ

Rediff.com   27 Mar 2009

The bidders had started sending teams from departments like human resources, finance and legal, who were holding discussions with their counterparts at Satyam, the sources added. The Satyam stock was up 4 per cent at Rs 42.20 on BSE. It had dropped a little over 10 per cent in the past month. "Between this week and next week, there will be several meetings between various bidders and company officials," confirmed Satyam's Hari Tallapalli.

Mahindra eyes full pie in 2-wheeler biz

Mahindra eyes full pie in 2-wheeler biz

Rediff.com   25 Mar 2009

The Mumbai-based company will take on Hero Honda, Bajaj Auto and HMSI and will have models in the 100cc, 125cc and 150cc mobike segments, and also in the ungeared low and high-powered scooter segments. Hero Honda has a 60 per cent share of the motorcycle segment, while HMSI commands a 58 per cent of the scooter market. Anand Mahindra said: "Our two-wheeler project is complete; we have already begun marketing the fleet in Bangalore."

What an IBM-Sun deal could mean for India

What an IBM-Sun deal could mean for India

Rediff.com   19 Mar 2009

The news of global IT giant IBM buying Sun Microsystems has been doing the rounds for years. So, despite the Wall Street Journal reporting that an approximately $6.5 billion buyout is imminent, analysts remain sceptical.

FinMin opposes sale of Bharti Hexacom stake

FinMin opposes sale of Bharti Hexacom stake

Rediff.com   12 Mar 2009

Given the ongoing economic turmoil, the DEA has raised concerns that the government may not be able to get the right value for its stake. TCIL has been seeking an exit route for over two years. It first wanted to get the company listed so that it could exit. However, the proposal was turned down by Bharti Airtel, which has 70 per cent stake.

After CEO, Sony TV loses business head, others

After CEO, Sony TV loses business head, others

Rediff.com   6 Mar 2009

On February 18, CEO Kunal Das Gupta had put in his papers. Company sources say around a dozen senior executives also resigned with Almeida on Thursday. Based on viewership ratings, Sony TV is currently a distant fourth in the rankings of entertainment channels, behind Star Plus, Colors, and Zee TV.

China Mobile plans India entry

China Mobile plans India entry

Rediff.com   18 Feb 2009

This is the first time the world's largest mobile operator in terms of the number of subscribers has expressed an interest in India. Chairman and CEO Wang Jianzhou declined to comment on whether they were already in talks with any Indian operator. He however said the approach would be cautious since the domestic market still presented huge potential for growth.

Apparel retailers offer up to 80% discount

Apparel retailers offer up to 80% discount

Rediff.com   12 Feb 2009

Though end-of-season sale is common in the first week of February, what is interesting this time around is the quantum and timing of the offers. Retailers are giving away 20-25 per cent additional discounts, compared to the last year. Also, they began giving discounts at least three weeks before the ususal timing.

PNB chief leads race for RBI Dy Governor's post

PNB chief leads race for RBI Dy Governor's post

Rediff.com   12 Feb 2009

Punjab National Bank Chairman and Managing Director K C Chakraborty has emerged as the frontrunner for the post of the fourth deputy governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Retailers plan to step up discounts as sales slow

Retailers plan to step up discounts as sales slow

Rediff.com   20 Jan 2009

The disclosure comes within days after Kishore Biyani-owned Pantaloon Retail said that same store sales in December dropped for the first time in four years. Analysts were more surprised at the drop in value retailing, which indicated that value retailers were not benefiting from downtrading.

Ranbaxy to exit Japanese JV with Nippon Chemiphar

Ranbaxy to exit Japanese JV with Nippon Chemiphar

Rediff.com   16 Jan 2009

Ranbaxy's investment in the six-year-old joint venture for the 50 per cent stake is estimated at Rs 30.5 crore (Rs 305 million). Industry sources said the deal was unlikely to impact Ranbaxy's financials as revenues and investment in the joint venture was not significant. Sources said revenues from NPI were only $25 million in 2007 through the sale of four generic products.

Using unsecure Wi-Fi? You could land up in jail!

Using unsecure Wi-Fi? You could land up in jail!

Rediff.com   13 Jan 2009

The Mumbai police, along with a group of enthusiastic citizens including Mumbai Sheriff Indu Shani, combed commercial complexes, malls, office buildings and residential premises in south and south-central Mumbai to identify and get rid of unsecured Wi-Fi connections in the city, following terrorist attacks last year.Terror mails were sent via unsecured Wi-Fi connections before the Delhi and Ahmedabad serial blasts also.

Sasan mega project closure in a few weeks

Sasan mega project closure in a few weeks

Rediff.com   13 Jan 2009

Anil Ambani-promoted Reliance Power is likely to announce the financial closure of its 3,960-Mw Sasan ultra mega power project (UMPP) in a few weeks.

3G spectrum auctions may be delayed again

3G spectrum auctions may be delayed again

Rediff.com   13 Jan 2009

Auctions for spectrum for 3G or third-generation telecom services could be delayed from an already rescheduled date of January 30 after the Department of Telecommunications sought legal opinion on whether it should send the finance ministry's suggestion on doubling the reserve price back to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India for its endorsement.

Companies hedge on ATF to tackle price volatility

Companies hedge on ATF to tackle price volatility

Rediff.com   9 Dec 2008

In addition to that, an increasing number of airlines like SpiceJet, national carrier Air India and GoAir are either getting into hedging of aviation turbine fuel or increasing the quantum of ATF hedged on the MCX. Last month, state-run Indian Oil Corporation approached MCX to provide it with a platform to hedge its refinery margins and end products from crude oil.

Investors give realtors the chill

Investors give realtors the chill

Rediff.com   8 Dec 2008

Investors, at a recent property exhibition concluded by magicbricks.com, were seen selling flats at 30 per cent discount to the market rate compared with the builders' offer of 15-20 per cent, according to reports. Investors normally comprise about 30 per cent of the property markets.

Roche to sell arthritis drug in India

Roche to sell arthritis drug in India

Rediff.com   6 Dec 2008

Roche expects to start selling Actemra by April 2009, company sources said. India will be the second country to launch the drug, Japan being the first. The Indian drug regulator Drug Controller General of India usually approves a new drug marketing application based on safety and efficacy data cleared by regulators in the US, EU and other developed countries.