A great deal of private equity

Downturn in the world economies notwithstanding, India is witnessing increasing number of private equity deals with the total value touching $6.39 billion so far this year.

Downturn in the world economies notwithstanding, India is witnessing increasing number of private equity deals with the total value touching $6.39 billion so far this year.

PE deals in the country have fared well since the beginning of this year despite global credit crunch, high oil prices, inflation among others. “The total number of PE deals during the first five months of 2008 stands at 170, with an announced value of $6.39 billion as against 159 deals amounting to $4.97 billion during the corresponding period in 2007,” global consulting major Grant Thornton said.

Meanwhile, another global deal tracking firm Zephyr said India was among the top 10 countries in terms of value of private equity deals across the world.

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India Inc witnessed the announcement of $640 million worth of PE deals in May this year, a whopping increase of over 603 per cent over last month figure while 1,180 per cent jump from corresponding period last year, Zephyr said in its latest report.

In April 2008, $91 million worth of PE deals were announced, it added.

As per data compiled by Grant Thornton, the total number of PE deals announced during May stood at 14 with an announced value of $1.45 billion as against 32 deals amounting to $0.56 billion in the month of April this year.

Market observers are of the opinion that the strong growth fundamentals of the country would help private equity investments to hit around 16-billion-dollar mark this year and India is likely to remain a popular destination for the next few years. Some of the factors that could pose challenges to PE investments include lower growth rates for export-based industries due to strong rupee, high oil prices and potential capital gains tax on external funds routed through Mauritius.

Flurry of Funds

$4.97 bn

PE in January-May 2007

$6.39 bn

PE in January-May 2008

$640 mn

PE in May 2008

1,180%

Percentage rise over May 2007

Major deals in May

Company Target value

Golbot Holdings M&M $175 mn