Grasim to divest stake in Digvijay Cement to Cimpor
Aditya Birla Group firm Grasim Industries on Wednesday said it will sell its 53.63 per cent stake in Shree Digvijay Cement Company (SDCC) to Cimpor – Cimentos De Portugal, SGPS, SA for Rs 322 crore.
The board at its meeting yesterday approved the sale of 7.58 crore equity shares representing 53.63 per cent of SDCC for Rs 42.50 a share to Portugal-based cement producer — Cimpor, Grasim Industries said in a release to the BSE.
Pursuant to this transaction, SDCC would cease to be a subsidiary of Grasim. Cimpor – Cimentos De Portugal would acquire the shares through its subsidiary Cimpor Inversiones. Cimpor Inversiones would later make a public offer for an additional 20 per c ent stake in SDCC in compliance with SEBI guidelines and on closing it would control SDCC.
"This decision to divest its equity in SDCC is primarily intended to rationalise its portfolio of plants. Cimpor was the preferred purchaser based upon its credentials, financial strength and stated practice of retaining employees of an acquired entity,’ ‘ the company said.
The combined capacity of the Aditya Birla Group’s cement business, which is currently 31 million tpa would move up to 45 million tpa by the second quarter of FY09, even after the disposal of SDCC stake.
ABN Amro Bank was the exclusive financial advisor to the company for the transaction. Shares of the company were at Rs 3825, up 0.30 per cent on BSE in morning trade. – PTI
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