Crompton Greaves In Queue To Buy Kenstar From Videocon

Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd. said it has submitted a bid for the acquisition of home appliances brand Kenstar from debt-laden Videocon Group.

Kenstar, a subsidiary of the Videocon group, makes kitchen appliances, TVs, air conditioners, air coolers and health appliances.

The electrical appliances maker submitted a bid on September 20, as an expression of interest for the acquisition of Kenstar business and Kenstar brand, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals said in a regulatory filing.

It further said the submission is in response to invitation received by the company from Videocon Industries Ltd. and their affiliates through invitation letter dated September 6. The price of the bid was, however, not disclosed by the company.

Also Read: Videocon, A Consumer Electronics Maker Buried Under Oil And Telecom Debt

The result of the bid process have not yet been announced, the company said, adding that no binding transaction documents have been executed between the company and the sellers and there have been no negotiations so far.

The Videocon group, which is struggling with a debt of over Rs 40,000 crore has been considering sale of its various assets over the past few years to bring down the debt.

ONGC Videsh Ltd, the overseas arm of state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC), had in June 2013 bought 10 percent stake in the Offshore Area 1 from Videocon Group for $ 2.475 billion. This stake was later divided between OVL and Oil India Ltd in 60:40 ratio.

The proceeds were used to repay bank loans in India and abroad.

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