Tata Steel to acquire majority stake in Subarnarekha Port

Tata Steel Limited on Wednesday said it has executed definitive agreements with Creative Port Development Private Limited (CPDPL) and its promoters for the proposed development of Subarnarekha Port in Odisha's Balasore district.

As per the agreements, the steel producer will acquire majority equity stake in CPDPL and the port development is envisaged through a wholly-owned subsidiary, Subarnarekha Port Private Limited (SPPL).

"The acquisition and development is subject to certain conditions precedent, detailed technical assessments and financial closure," steel maker said.

CPDPL, promoted by two technoprenuers -Ramani Ramaswamy and Ramaswamy Rangarajan- had entered into a concession agreement with the Odisha government in 2008 to develop the port as an all weather deep-draft facility.

"The investment to develop the Subarnarekha Port will address the strategic needs of company in the future. The location of the proposed port makes it attractive to structurally enhance the competitive position of our Indian operations," said steel producer's Group Executive Director (Finance & Corporate) Koushik Chatterjee.

"As the company grows in India in the future, securing competitive logistics solution is a key aspect in de-risking our in-bound and out-bound supply chain. The proposed Subarnarekha Port will address the long-term strategic needs of the company," said Tata Steel India and South East Asia Managing Director T V Narendran.

--IANS

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