Essar Group will buy 59.13 per cent stake in IT firm AGC Networks from Avaya for Rs 206.19 crore. The deal would catapult the Essar Group’s IT and BPO arm Aegis among the top five IT solution providers along with IBM, Wipro and TCS in the country.
The company will also come up with the mandatory additional 20 per cent open offer. In case all shares are tendered in the open offer, the total size of which will be around Rs 78 crore. This will take Essar’s stake in the AGC networks to around 80 per cent.
AGC Networks, earlier known as Avaya Global Connect Ltd, is focused on the Indian and Australian markets. The company, which is listed in India employs 500 people. The current management is expected to continue and spearhead the business post-closing.
“Essar in a short span has become a key player in the solutions integrator space and would benefit immensely from the depth and width of expertise that AGC Networks has. We have a definitive plan to grow this business as we aim for bigger chunks
of customers spend,” said Mr Aparup Sengupta, managing director, and Global CEO, Aegis. The acquisition would be done through Essar Services Holdings. Aegis currently has around 135 clients. It has more than 39,000 employees across 42 locations.
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HDFC Bank set to hike withdraw limit
New Delhi, May 30: HDFC Bank’s decision to increase withdrawal limit for its customers might force other banks to follow suit to protect their customer base. HDFC Bank’s enhanced banking limits will come into effect from June 1.
The ATM withdrawal limit for HDFC Bank Imperia Gold Debit Cards now stands increased to Rs 1 lakh, and that for shopping to Rs 1.25 lakh, from Rs 50,000 per day.
Besides, the ATM card and shopping limit for Easy Shop Regular International/ Maestro/ NRO Debit Cards would stand increased to Rs 25,000 and Rs 40,000 respectively, from Rs 15,000 and 25,000 respectively. — PTI