MAM
Reliance Retail raises Rs 9,555 crore from PIF
MUMBAI: Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd (RRVL), a subsidiary of Reliance Industries, has raised Rs 9,555 crore from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), taking its pre-money equity value to Rs 4,587 lakh crore.
This is the second investment by PIF in the Mukesh Ambani-led conglomerate. It had earlier acquired a 2.32 per cent stake in Jio platforms for Rs 11,367 crore.
The transaction, an official statement said, is in line with PIF's strategy as a leading global investor with a proven track record of investing in innovative and transformative companies globally and develop strong partnerships with leading groups in their respective markets. India's retail sector is one of the largest in the world and accounts for over 10 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP) which presents meaningful growth potential.
Reliance Industries chairman and managing director Mukesh Ambani said, "We at Reliance have a long-standing relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. PIF is at the forefront of the economic transformation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I welcome PIF as a valued partner in Reliance Retail and look forward to their sustained support and guidance as we continue our ambitious journey to transform India’s retail sector for enriching the lives of 1.3 billion Indians and millions of small merchants."
Yasir Al-Rumayyan, governor of PIF, said, "We are pleased to be furthering our trusted partnership with Reliance Industries. This transaction demonstrates PIF’s commitment to investing and partnering for the long-term with innovative businesses around the world that lead and transform their sectors.”
The investments come amid the ongoing festive season, which is primetime for the country's retail sector. Flush with these funds, Reliance is probably hoping to counter rivals like e-tailers Flipkart and Amazon.
Reliance Retail operates India's largest, fast-growing retail business, serving close to 640 million footfalls at its around 12,000 stores across the country.
Brands
Kotak Mahindra Bank appoints Ramesh Iyer to board
Veteran financier replaces Ashok Gulati, who retires in March
MUMBAI: Kotak Mahindra Bank has announced a change to its board of directors, with independent director Ashok Gulati set to retire at the end of his term on 5 March.
The company said it has appointed Ramesh Ganesh Iyer as an additional and independent director for a four-year term, effective 17 February, subject to shareholder approval.
Iyer brings more than four decades of experience in financial services. He spent much of his career at Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services, where he served as vice chairman and managing director before taking on the role of president for the financial services sector and member of the group executive board at Mahindra & Mahindra. He retired from the group in April 2024.
During his tenure, Iyer was instrumental in expanding rural and inclusive finance initiatives, scaling the company’s assets and customer base. He also led the creation of subsidiaries in rural housing finance, insurance broking and asset management, and oversaw international joint ventures.
Iyer holds a commerce degree and a doctorate of letters, and currently serves on the boards of several listed and unlisted companies.
The board meeting approving the changes was held in Mumbai on February 17 between 6.30 pm and 6.50 pm.
