Hero Motors sells 17.6% in Munjal Kiriu to partner

Auto components-maker Hero Motors today said it has sold a 17.6% stake in Munjal Kiriu Industries, a joint venture with Japan's Kiriu Corp, to the co-promoter, thus becoming a minority shareholder.

"The parent companies changed its capital structure -- HML (Hero Motors) will be reducing stake from 66.60% to 49%," Hero Motors said in a statement.

The domestic firm, however, did not elaborate on the financial details of the transaction.

Meanwhile, Kiriu, which is an affiliate of the diversified Sumitomo Corporation, will strengthen its shareholding following the acquisition of stake from HML to become a majority partner in Munjal Kiriu, it added.

"To lead Munjal Kiriu Industries (MKI) toward more sustainable growth and financial stability, two partners have determined to make MKI a consolidated affiliate of Kiriu by changing the percentage of shareholding from the previous 33.4% to 51%," Hero Motors said.

The company further said HML Managing Director Pankaj Munjal has been elevated to Chairman of MKI.

"The new management team will be functional enough to gear up improving overall levels of quality, cost competitiveness and delivery indicators with Kiriu's initiative and Hero's support," Kiriu Corporation President and Representative Director Junichi Hashiguchi said.

MKI also plans to invest Rs 160 crore over the next two years to expand its existing capacity.

"MKI will install another new casting line in the current Manesar plant by the latter half of 2012 to ramp up production in response to the rapidly increasing demand of the Indian automotive industry," the statement said.

It, however, did not share other details on its current capacity and how much capacity will be added following the expansion programme.