Flickering screens

Nobody is quite sure why Satish Kaura, who owns Samtel is currently focused on delisting the company that8217;s almost synonymous with his ...

Nobody is quite sure why Satish Kaura, who owns Samtel is currently focused on delisting the company that8217;s almost synonymous with his name. Despite the fact that delisting seems to be the flavour of the moment with many predatory multinationals, Kaura8217;s reasons are certainly sounding noble. The company8217;s flagship product, which made the company a domestic powerhouse, was the black and white television picture tube. This is going to be discontinued in about three years, and that8217;s why Kaura wants the company to get off the stock markets. That8217;s not to say though that Samtel is getting ready to shrink. Kaura believes that he will soon have a desi version of plasma screen. If indeed he does get a quality product then this is one company that will be worth watching. Meantime, he is focused on exporting colour picture tubes and his ambitious target is to sell one-third of his output globally.

Art of the deal

Pharma tycoon D.S. Brar of Ranbaxy combines an interest in art with a keen business sense. And, what better way to mix business with pleasure than to use art as a harbinger of intelligent investment! This heady formulation may just be the elixir of Ranbaxy8217;s growth and vitality. Brar has recently revealed to the media his plans of setting up a manufacturing base in Brazil. Ranbaxy has identified Brazil as one of its core markets and is banking on it to bring in substantial profits by 2005. This prescription is sure to have its side effects. Enchantment, the bold and vivid painting by Brazilian artist Gregor Fink been appropriately sited at Ranbaxy headquarters to reflect the new focus and spirit of the company. To back this vision up the company has appointed an experienced art collector to select more of the finest pieces of Brazilian art. Talk of commerce following art.

Miles to go before they sleep

Noel Tata, the MD of Trent has good reason to smile. The 45- year-old industrialist has recently been inducted on to the board of Voltas, a Tata Group firm as additional director. Ishaat Hussain, chairman of the white goods major still heads the ten-member board. This decision was apparently influenced by the fact that Noel Tata8217;s rapidly growing understanding of retailing can be extremely useful for Voltas. What is interesting to note is that the added responsibility for Noel Tata comes at a time when everyone is speculating on who will be Ratan Tata8217;s successor as the group chairman. Ratan Tata, the 65-year-old head of 41,000 crore Tata empire will carry on as the chief for another 5 years. We wonder if Noel Tata is a contender for the coveted position? The T.A.S grapevine, that usually knows first, is betting on it.