Group seeks to pare debt using sales proceeds; potential buyers feel valuation sought is high
Emami Cement is currently focussed on east India, with its plants in Risda in Chhattisgarh, Panagarh in West Bengal, and Jajpur in Odisha
The promoters have been looking at various options, ranging from divestment to taking the business to the public, to monetise assets
The family intends to raise its stake through strategic divestment, IPO or exit in group assets in 6-8 months
Stake sale would bring down promoter level debt from Rs 3,300 crore to Rs 2,200 crore
In February, the promoters offloaded 10 per cent stake in the firm for Rs 1,600 crore
We can't do everything on our own and hence we are partnering wherever we believe the promoters or entrepreneurs are capable and their ideas are good, says Harsha Agarwal, director at Emami
The share sale took place on the stock exchange platform and SBI Mutual Fund, Premji Invest, Amundi, IDFC and L&T Mutual Fund were among the buyers
The sale was executed in the stock exchanges on Monday and were sold to SBI Mutual Fund, Premji Invest, Amundi, IDFC, L&T Mutual Fund and others
Money could be used to repay loans raised by promoters and invest in unlisted cement biz
Emami reported a revival in products where it was earlier struggling, such as Zandu Pancharishta and Kesh King
Emami's net sales increased by 7.15% at Rs 810.90 crore
Emami said a delayed winter in some parts of the country resulted in a subdued performance by winter brands
While Q2 revenue growth was flat and net profit declined 16%, management has indicated margin pressure in near term
It could be difficult for Emami to protect market share of the highly profitable Kesh Kish amid competition from the likes of Hindustan Unilever's Indulekha
The stock hit Rs 402 on the BSE in intra-day trade, also its lowest level since January 1, 2015, tanked 19% in past four trading days.
Moreover, Emami will also add the applicator to Kesh King which Indulekha - from the HUL stable - has already introduced
Positives in the quarter were the strong growth in pain management, up 39 per cent, and in health care, up 28 per cent
With handsome annual growth of 14 per cent last year, the company is poised to expand its portfolio in key markets by launching new products, says Emami chairman
The company is planning to enter Iran by the end of this year, and from the first quarter of the coming fiscal year it expects to start selling products