"The factories need consolidation and control as they operate independently with different human resource (HR) and logistic policies. The segmented operations cannot have power and focus on quality," K R Kim, vice-chairman and CEO (global operations), Videocon, who steered LG to market leadership in his earlier stint, told Business Standard.
The Singapore government-controlled Temasek Holdings, which controls over 90 per cent of power generation and distribution in Singapore, will soon call for bids to privatise the two companies. The Indian companies are exploring various options to bid for these assets, said sources familar with the developments. Spokespersons of both Reliance Power and GMR Infrastructure declined to comment.
Videcocon Industries plans a major consumer electronics retail foray across West Asia, Europe, Africa and Latin America under the brand name "VC" to raise global revenue shares from the current 2 per cent to 50 per cent by 2011.
Indian firms, including Tata Steel, in the past have formed SPVs to acquire foreign companies to protect local operations and also to avoid legal hindrances. The SPV may be registered in a tax-haven country, like Mauritius or Bahamas, the sources said. The move to float an SPV will help Bharti Airtel to continue being listed on Indian stock exchanges, while MTN's promoters will be given a stake in the SPV.
To up stakes in 'globally active' firms by 3 to 4% this year.
Reliance Industries Ltd, India's biggest firm by market capitalisation, is drawing up plans to convert its fuel retail outlets, which were recently closed owing to unviable operations, into malls and multiplexes.
Tata Steel, the world's sixth-largest steel maker, is looking to acquire Brazilian iron ore assets of the United Kingdom-based London Mining, which will help ensure raw material supply for its Anglo-Dutch subsidiary, Corus. The valuation of the asset is yet to be completed, but analysts said that it would be in the range of $2 billion.
Engineering giant Larsen and Toubro and Aditya Birla group firm Grasim Industries are set to settle their long-standing dispute over the sale of cross-holdings out of court. Both the companies are believed to be in consultation with Chennai-based chartered accountant S Gurumurthy to act as arbitrator.
With Mumbai grappling for additional land for expansion, the city's western suburb Bandra could see availability of close to 60 acres of real estate for development.
Mumbai-based diamond processing and jewellery manufacturer Gitanjali Gems aims to become a global retailer. Lately, the Rs 3,500-crore (Rs 35 billion) company has been in the news for international acquisitions, consolidation in the domestic market and diversification in lifestyle retailing.
Puma, the German sports brand, is foraying into swimwear segment in India. The company's Indian arm is eager to repeat the Chak De! India experience through its product placements. Puma is introducing 20-30 designs of swimwear for men and women, comprising performance and leisure wear. Puma feels that the category has immense potential in the leisure space. The beachwear concept is picking up. It operates in 20 exclusive brand outlets & is looking at closing this year by 35.
The move comes on the back of the potential for the conventional televisions in India. Industry watchers said high-end televisions were gaining popularity in urban markets, while first-time buyers and rural markets prefer conventional televisions. Globally, Sony has taken a strategic decision to exit from the CRT TV business from this month-end due to a slow demand. Sony had reduced LCD prices to align with Korean duo LG Electronics and Samsung a few months back.
Indian apparel brands are looking at China as the new retail destination.
The changing residential demand and the increasing awareness about energy efficiency has prompted durable companies to introduce air conditioners with newer capacities. Though the 1.5 tonne air conditioners are expected to be the conventional volume drivers, the models with capacity of one tonne and below are estimated to grow at a faster pace.
The company aims to recruit 10,000 people by the end of this year as a part of its branding strategy to focus on service and move away from discounting. In the initial phase the company has entered into agreements with ITIs in the states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi, Punjab, Assam, Karnataka and is in the last leg of signing with Uttar Pradesh.
Manoj Kumar, CEO, e-Zone and Electronics Bazaar, said,"The Mega e-Zone, measuring 25,000 sq ft and above in area, is being developed as a destination store for electronics purchase. The store will offer seamless space for brands to retail their own merchandise."
Bose Corp has decided to enter the auto parts sector, with suspension systems for luxury cars.
Off-season sales, when shopping malls and high streets buzz with tempting offers of up to 70 per cent discounts on your favourite brand of shirts, jeans or even home textiles
Godrej appliances is targeting to become the third largest player in the air conditioner market.
The World Gold Council initiates micro-finance scheme to promote investments by low-income groups.
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