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Sunday, July 26, 2026 6:25 AM

investment

India-UK CETA to Boost Farmers, MSMEs and Skilled Professionals, Says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described the implementation of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Agreement on Social Security as a landmark step in strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries. Sharing a social media post by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, the Prime Minister said the agreements, which came into force today, mark a significant milestone in the India-UK partnership. According to Mr. Modi, the CETA will provide fresh growth opportunities for farmers, entrepreneurs, and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by expanding their access to the UK market. He added that the trade pact is expected to benefit several key sectors while strengthening cooperation in technology, professional services, and innovation. The Prime Minister also highlighted that the agreement will facilitate greater mobility for skilled Indian professionals, enabling them to explore more employment and business opportunities in the UK. Referring to the Agreement on Social Security, Mr. Modi said it will offer important support to Indian professionals working in the UK on temporary assignments. He noted that the pact will enhance the competitiveness of Indian businesses by reducing social security-related burdens for eligible workers. Emphasizing the broader significance of the agreements, the Prime Minister said they reflect the deep trust between the two democracies and their shared commitment to building a future-focused partnership anchored in trade, technology, investment, and innovation. He reaffirmed that India and the United Kingdom will continue to work together to promote shared economic growth and prosperity. Source: News on AIR

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Piyush Goyal Embarks on Europe Tour to Deepen India’s Trade and Investment Partnerships

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has begun a five-day official visit to Spain, Belgium, and Finland, aimed at expanding India’s economic engagement with key European partners. The visit, which runs until July 17, will focus on strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, technology, innovation, and sustainable development. The first stop is Spain, where Goyal will participate in a business roundtable alongside representatives from the Chamber of Commerce of Spain, the Spanish Confederation of Business Organisations (CEOE), and ICEX Spain Trade and Investment. Indian and Spanish business leaders are expected to discuss collaboration across sectors such as automobiles, renewable energy, railways, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, food processing, and tourism. The minister will then travel to Belgium on July 14 and 15 for a series of high-level engagements. His itinerary includes meetings with senior officials from Thales Group and Silox Group, as well as participation in the India-EU Business Roundtable and the Trade and Technology Council Plenary. Key discussions will centre on boosting foreign investment, easing trade, promoting sustainable technologies, and strengthening resilient global supply chains. The final leg of the tour will take Goyal to Finland on July 16 and 17. He is scheduled to attend the India-Finland Business Roundtable and visit leading Finnish companies and research organisations, including Nokia, Kone, Kemppi Group, and the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. The discussions will explore opportunities for collaboration in telecommunications, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, mobility, and innovation. Source: News on AIR

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CIBC Chooses Hyderabad for New GCC, Eyes Creation of 2,000 Jobs

Canadian banking giant CIBC (Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce) has announced plans to establish a Global Capability Centre (GCC) in Hyderabad, strengthening the city’s position as a key hub for banking and financial services operations. The new facility is expected to begin operations in July and will support the bank’s global technology, digital, and financial services functions. According to officials, the GCC is projected to generate over 2,000 employment opportunities in areas such as banking technology, data analytics, and related domains over the next few years. With this move, CIBC joins a growing list of global banking and financial institutions that have set up operations in Hyderabad, including HSBC, Barclays, JPMorgan Chase, American Express, UBS, and Wells Fargo. In a separate development, food and beverage major Nestlé has also selected Hyderabad as the location for its upcoming GCC. The facility, expected to become operational in the coming months, is anticipated to boost innovation, strengthen supply chain capabilities, and create new employment opportunities in the FMCG sector. Source: Economic Times

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Green Gold Animation, the studio behind the popular Chhota Bheem franchise, plans ₹250 crore fundraise at ₹800 crore valuation

Green Gold Animation — the Hyderabad-based studio known for creating the iconic Chhota Bheem series and the Krishna animated films — is looking to raise ₹250 crore at an estimated ₹800 crore valuation as it gears up for a major expansion, founder Rajiv Chilaka revealed. With a workforce of nearly 500 employees, the two-decade-old company aims to develop fresh intellectual properties (IPs) and significantly scale up its animation production capabilities for both Indian and global markets. “We are considering a ₹250 crore raise at an ₹800 crore valuation to power our next phase of growth, with a strong focus on enhancing our animation infrastructure and creating new IPs,” Chilaka said. He added that the company is even open to a potential shift in ownership, provided the strategic partner aligns with its long-term vision. “If a controlling investor can help us scale sustainably and responsibly, we’re open to that conversation,” he noted. The move comes at a time when India’s media and entertainment landscape is undergoing rapid consolidation, shrinking content budgets, and changing viewer habits — pushing animation studios to reassess scale, efficiency, and monetisation strategies. Source: Economic Times

Green Gold Animation, the studio behind the popular Chhota Bheem franchise, plans ₹250 crore fundraise at ₹800 crore valuation Read More »

China’s M&A Market Rebounds Amid Stimulus Measures and Trump Tariff Pressure

China’s mergers and acquisitions (M&A) market is witnessing a resurgence after years of decline, driven by government stimulus measures and mounting pressure from U.S. tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump. After five consecutive years of declining deal volume, China’s M&A activity surged in the final quarter of 2024, with deal value rising by 78.5% to $129 billion from the previous quarter’s $72 billion, according to Dealogic. Industry experts attribute this uptick to stimulus policies introduced in September 2024, aimed at consolidating domestic industries and strengthening China’s economic competitiveness. Despite this positive momentum, China’s total M&A deal value in 2024 remained nearly 45% lower than in 2020, when it reached $553 billion. Economic slowdown and cautious corporate strategies have contributed to a conservative investment approach in recent years, said Theodore Shou, chief investment officer at Skybound Capital. However, experts predict 2025 will bring a major shift, with increased M&A activity as Chinese firms adapt to fresh tariff challenges. Trump’s new 10% tariffs on Chinese goods, effective from February 4, have compounded existing levies of up to 25%. This has intensified the need for companies to diversify supply chains and seek strategic mergers to maintain global market relevance. Deloitte’s APAC M&A Services Leader, Stanley Lah, noted that consolidation is the fastest way for businesses to restructure amid trade pressures. Smaller enterprises, in particular, are feeling the strain, as indicated by a 4.8% drop in their revenue in Q3 2024, per Peking University’s Centre for Enterprise Research. With increasing deal activity and evolving trade dynamics, 2025 is poised to be a crucial year for China’s corporate landscape. Source: CNBC

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Nirma Group’s Nuvoco Vistas to Acquire Vadraj Cement Through NCLT

Nuvoco Vistas Corp, a cement subsidiary of the Nirma Group, announced on Monday its successful bid to acquire Vadraj Cement through the corporate insolvency resolution process (CIRP). The acquisition is expected to bolster Nuvoco’s cement capacity by 20%, increasing it from 25 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 31 MTPA. The transaction, described by Nuvoco as a “value-buy,” includes Vadraj Cement’s existing infrastructure: a 3.5 MTPA clinker unit in Kutch, a 6 MTPA grinding unit in Surat, and significant limestone reserves. While these facilities are currently non-operational, Nuvoco plans to invest in a phased refurbishment over 15 months to resume production by Q3 FY27, subject to necessary approvals. The resolution plan has already been approved by Vadraj Cement’s committee of creditors, with a Letter of Intent (LoI) issued to Nuvoco. The acquisition will be executed by a wholly-owned subsidiary, without significantly increasing the company’s debt burden, according to Nuvoco. Nuvoco, promoted by Niyogi Enterprise of the Nirma Group, has grown significantly since its 2016 acquisition of Lafarge India’s assets in a $1.4 billion deal. In 2020, it acquired Emami Cement for ₹5,500 crore, further strengthening its position as India’s fifth-largest cement producer by capacity. Vadraj Cement, formerly ABG Cements, was admitted to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in 2024 due to financial distress, with admitted claims totaling ₹8,180.61 crore. The acquisition aligns with Nuvoco’s strategic growth plans, leveraging cost-effective refurbishment over greenfield expansions to drive efficiency and market competitiveness. Nuvoco expects this move to solidify its presence in the Indian cement market, with enhanced capacities in the East, North, and West regions, positioning it for sustained long-term growth.  

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UK Set to Create 38,000 Jobs Following Record £63 Billion Investment

ArdorComm news

Nearly 38,000 jobs will be created across the UK following the announcement of a record-breaking £63 billion in investments around the International Investment Summit. This total more than doubles last year’s £29.5 billion commitment at the Global Investment Summit and will drive growth and innovation in key sectors like infrastructure and technology. Among today’s new announcements are investments from DP World, Associated British Ports (ABP), and Imperial College London, totalling over £1 billion. The UK’s stable governance has attracted tens of billions in new investments, reinforcing the government’s focus on delivering economic growth. These investments demonstrate global confidence in Britain as a prime investment destination, with a particular focus on areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), data centre expansion, and renewable energy. Tech Firms Invest £6.3 Billion in Data Centres Four major US-based tech firms have announced £6.3 billion investments in UK data centres, which are essential for enhancing AI capabilities. These data centres will power AI systems and store the vast amount of information generated, providing the infrastructure for future AI development and economic growth. Key Infrastructure Investments: ABP, Imperial College London ABP, the UK’s largest port operator, will invest over £200 million alongside Stena Line to develop a new freight ferry terminal at the Port of Immingham, creating around 900 jobs during construction and operation. Additionally, Imperial College London has announced a £150 million investment to expand its R&D campus in West London, contributing to the growing deep tech ecosystem and boosting job creation. Government’s Commitment to Economic Growth Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds highlighted the UK’s leading position as an investment hub, stating: “The record-breaking investment total secured at today’s Summit marks a major vote of confidence in the UK and our stability dividend across industry and innovation.” Chancellor Rachel Reeves echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the impact of these investments on businesses across the UK, from large corporations to small enterprises, all contributing to job creation and economic prosperity. Other Major Investments Announced: Iberdrola: Doubling its UK investment to £24 billion, including £4 billion for the East Anglia 2 wind farm. Blackstone: £10 billion investment in Northumberland for Europe’s largest artificial data centre, creating 4,000 jobs. Amazon Web Services: £8 billion investment, supporting 14,000 jobs annually. CCUS Investors (Eni, BP, Equinor): Unlocking £8 billion for carbon capture clusters, creating 4,000 jobs. Orsted and Greenvolt: Offshore wind projects unlocking £8 billion (Orsted) and £2.5 billion (Greenvolt), creating thousands of jobs. These investments solidify the UK’s position as a global leader in innovation and economic growth, with the government’s Industrial Strategy providing further certainty for future global business ventures. Source : Gov.UK

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Apollo 24/7 Secures Rs 2,475 Crore Investment and 12.1% Advent Stake in Mega Merger with Keimed

Apollo HealthCo Limited, a subsidiary of Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited, has unveiled a major development with plans to raise Rs 2,475 crore ($339 million) in equity capital from Advent International, a prominent private equity investor. This strategic move is part of a merger initiative that will also integrate Keimed Private Limited, India’s leading wholesale pharmaceutical distributor, within the next two years. The merger deal entails Advent International acquiring a 12.1% stake in the merged entity, while Apollo HealthCo and Keimed will hold 59.2% and 25.7% stakes, respectively. The combined entity is valued at an impressive enterprise value of Rs 22,481 crores ($3 billion). Dr. Prathap C Reddy, Chairman of Apollo Hospitals Group, emphasized the mission to provide high-quality healthcare to all Indians at an affordable cost. He highlighted the significant outreach achieved by Apollo 24/7, which has positively impacted over 33 million Indians. Dr. Reddy expressed confidence that with Advent’s investment and the merger with Keimed, the combined entity will emerge as one of the leading retail health companies in India. The integration is poised to deliver substantial industry benefits and capitalize on potential business synergies. With a pan-India presence, the merged entity aims to become a frontrunner in the retail health sector. Shobana Kamineni, Executive Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals, underscored the enhanced accessibility to genuine medicines for 1.4 billion Indians within 24 minutes to 24 hours, 7 days a week, facilitated by the merged supply chain. Suneeta Reddy, Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals, described the merger with Keimed as a pivotal step towards building a comprehensive supply chain. She outlined the revenue projections and emphasized the collaborative strengths that will drive exponential value for Apollo Hospitals and its shareholders. Advent International sees this partnership as an opportunity to invest in India’s rapidly growing healthcare sector and contribute creatively to value creation. The merger positions Keimed at an enterprise value of Rs 8,003 crores, with Keimed shareholders holding a maximum of 25.7% stake in the combined entity, while Apollo Hospitals remains the largest controlling shareholder with at least 59.2% stake. The merger is subject to further corporate approvals.  

Apollo 24/7 Secures Rs 2,475 Crore Investment and 12.1% Advent Stake in Mega Merger with Keimed Read More »

Max Healthcare’s Ambitious Expansion Plans in Uttar Pradesh

Blog on health

Max Healthcare Institute Ltd (MHIL), a prominent private hospital chain based in Delhi, has recently unveiled its ambitious plans to invest a staggering ₹2,500 crore in developing hospitals in Lucknow and bolstering its presence in Uttar Pradesh (UP). This strategic move underscores the company’s commitment to providing top-notch healthcare services and contributing to the state’s economic growth. The announcement, made by Abhay Soi, Chairman and Managing Director of Max Healthcare, highlights the company’s vision to actively participate in UP’s journey towards achieving a $1 trillion economy by 2027. With a keen focus on expansion and innovation, MHIL aims to play a pivotal role in the state’s healthcare landscape. A significant portion of the investment will be allocated towards the development of a new 500-bed hospital and the expansion of the recently-acquired Max Super Specialty Hospital in Lucknow. This expansion initiative is a testament to MHIL’s dedication to meeting the growing healthcare needs of the region and catering to a larger patient base. The acquisition of the 550-bed Sahara Hospital, now rebranded as Max Super Specialty Hospital, has significantly bolstered MHIL’s presence in UP. With approximately 700 beds in its arsenal post-acquisition, the company is poised to emerge as a key player in the state’s healthcare sector. Furthermore, MHIL’s investment plan includes doubling its overall capacity across its network of hospitals by adding a whopping 4,200 beds over the next four to five years. This ambitious endeavor underscores the company’s commitment to expanding access to quality healthcare services and addressing the escalating demand for medical facilities. In addition to creating a substantial number of employment opportunities, MHIL’s investments are set to usher in cutting-edge medical technologies and advancements. From robotics to radiation therapy in oncology, the company aims to introduce state-of-the-art medical equipment and procedures, ensuring that patients receive the highest standard of care. Max Healthcare’s expansion in UP is not merely about infrastructure development; it is also about enhancing medical education and research. The company’s investment will provide a significant boost to nursing education and facilitate the adoption of advanced medical practices. With these strategic investments, Max Healthcare is poised to become the largest private healthcare provider in Uttar Pradesh, with over 2,000 beds serving approximately 1.5 million people. The upgraded facilities, including the introduction of the Max Institute of Cancer Care and the expansion of organ transplantation programs, underscore the company’s commitment to delivering comprehensive and specialized healthcare services. Moreover, the planned enhancements to the Lucknow facility, such as the introduction of world-class robotic surgical systems and the strengthening of tertiary and quaternary care services, signal MHIL’s dedication to elevating healthcare standards in the region. In conclusion, Max Healthcare’s ambitious expansion plans in Uttar Pradesh represent a significant milestone in the company’s journey towards redefining healthcare delivery in the state. With a strong emphasis on innovation, accessibility, and quality, MHIL is poised to make a lasting impact on the healthcare landscape of Uttar Pradesh, setting new benchmarks for excellence in the industry.

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RJ Corp Acquires Rs 379 Crore Worth of Global Health Shares in Open Market Transaction

RJ Corp, led by Ravi Kant Jaipuria, has made a significant acquisition in the healthcare sector by purchasing 1.07% or 2.8 million shares of Delhi-based Global Health. The transaction, conducted through an open market deal, amounted to Rs 379 crore, as per BSE bulk deals data. The shares were acquired at Rs 379 apiece, marking a substantial investment by RJ Corp in Global Health. The selling party, Dunearn Investments Mauritius, divested its holdings, which amounted to a 16.02% stake in Global Health as of December 31, 2023. Jaipuria, known as the promoter of Devyani International, adds another feather to his cap with this strategic investment. Devyani International operates renowned brands such as KFC, Pizza Hut, and Costa, among others. This move signifies RJ Corp’s intent to diversify its portfolio and expand its presence in the healthcare sector. Prior to this acquisition, RJ Corp held a 5.52% stake in Global Health. With the latest transaction, RJ Corp strengthens its position in the company, signaling confidence in the growth prospects of Global Health and its contribution to RJ Corp’s overall business strategy. The acquisition underscores the dynamic nature of the market, with investors seeking strategic opportunities to enhance their portfolios. RJ Corp’s move aligns with its vision of identifying promising ventures and leveraging its expertise to drive growth and value creation. As the healthcare sector continues to evolve and witness rapid transformation, investments such as these are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the industry landscape. RJ Corp’s strategic acquisition in Global Health reflects its commitment to exploring new avenues for growth and maximizing shareholder value in the competitive market environment.

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