Bajaj Hindusthan seeks shareholders nod for power project funds

India's largest sugar firm Bajaj Hindusthan has sought shareholders' approval for furnishing investments and corporate guarantees worth up to Rs 1,240 crore to its power projects.

In a filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), the company said it has sought shareholders' approval for the special resolution through postal ballots.

As per the postal ballot notice, shareholders' approval have been sought for infusion of up to Rs 1,040 crore in Lalitpur Power Generation Company Ltd (LGPCL) and another Rs 200 crore in Bajaj Energy.

Bajaj has formed a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)-- Lalitpur Power Generation Company Ltd (LPGCL)-- to develop 1,980MW thermal project at Lalitpur in Uttar Pradesh at a cost of Rs 11,848 crore, of which Rs 8,886 crore to be funded via debt.

Another SPV, Bajaj Energy, has been formed to set up five power projects at five locations at a cost of Rs 2,320 crore.

The company has also sought approval to provide loans and/or give guarantee for the short-term loan to be taken by LGPCL up to Rs 500 crore as the SPV is facing difficulty in getting term loan in absence of assured coal supply.

Moreover, Bajaj has sought approval for up to Rs 200 crore investment into Bajaj Energy by way of equity contribution and/or subordinated debt to meet the additional expenses by the SPV toward cost overrun.

Bajaj Hindusthan needs to invest Rs 771 crore for its 26% equity in the SPV. It has already put in Rs 235 crore and about Rs 540 crore would be required as equity in phases.

Bajaj Hindusthan has 16 sugar mills with a cane crushing capacity of 1.36 lakh tonne per day.