Biocon among 20 Indian companies in Forbes 'Best Under a Billion' List

Biocon, India's leading biotechnology major has been included in the prestigious 'Best under a Billion' listing by Forbes.This year 20 Indian companies have been featured in the list, which is dominated by companies from Greater China.

All have either increased sales and profits over the past 12 months or are forecast to do so in coming quarters. Apparel, media, technology and health care led the way.

" Nearly 40 per cent of the companies are from greater China," Forbes said. For the fifth annual "Best under a Billion list" the top 200 companies were picked from 12,000 publicity listed firms with sales of less than $ one billion in the Asia Pacific region.

This year's Forbes Asia 'Best under a Billion' list was mainly dominated by as many as 78 small and mid-sized firms from China and Hong Kong thanks to the relative economic strengths of these regions.

Japan  was the second most represented country in the coveted list with 24 companies, while its neighbour South Korea had 23 firms.
India was ranked at the fourth place with 20 entries, followed by Australia  with 18.

As many as 64 of the entries on this year's list are returnees -- 'a testament to fearless management' Forbes said, while 136 are new entries -- who have "seized opportunities arising from economic uncertainty.