Raman Roy in BPO JV with Lankan firm

Business process outsourcing industry pioneer Raman Roy-promoted Raman Roy and Associates (RRA) has entered into a joint venture (JV) with John Keells Holdings (JKH) of Sri Lanka to develop the BPO business in Asia.

"Both the parties have committed approximately $22 million to the venture for immediate business plan period," a press release issued here said. The JV will initially focus on India and Sri Lanka.

"This partnership will enable JKH to enter the BPO industry with the expertise of Raman and his team, who have played a pivotal role in the creation of the BPO industry in India. We believe the industry has tremendous potential for growth and the combined resources and strengths of JKH and RRA will make this venture a success," Susantha Ratnayake, deputy chairman, JKH, said.

"It will also provide the much needed impetus to the nascent BPO industry in Sri Lanka," he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Roy said: "I am sure this partnership will be able to replicate in Sri Lanka the success we achieved in India's BPO industry and spread the industry footprint across more countries in Asia."

The JV is expected to set up its operation initially in Delhi and Colombo, and thereafter in other select cities in India and Sri Lanka.