Top Indian business deals 2009

The path has been stringent for the Indian economy in 2009 – being caught between the global financial crisis and the economic slowdown. That is why, merger and acquisition (M&A) and private equity (PE) deals in India in 2009 have suffered massively by getting approximately halved in terms of volume and value. The total value of Indian business deals 2009 (M&A and PE) announced in 2009 was $21.20 billion against $41.54 billion in 2008. on the other hand, in 2007, the M&A and PE investments stood at $70.14 billion.

2008 saw around 766 deals whereas in 2009 the number came down to only 488. The domestic M&A volumes fell to 142 from 172 in 2008. The outbound M&A deals were down at 64 (196 in 2008) while inbound M&A dipped to 61 (86 in 2008). Among the financial crisis, the top Indian business deals 2009 stands out, giving an urge that the domestic investment sentiment should improve.

Top business deals in India in 2009

Top business deals in India have occurred in the oil and gas sector, with telecom, pharma, healthcare and biotech following the league.

1. France-based pens and lighter makers BIC acquired a 40% stake in the Indian stationery products maker Cello Pens for $160 million (` 800 crore) in January 2009.
   
   
2. Acquisition of 51% each in Yaaganti Seeds and Pravardhan Seeds by Nuziveedu Seeds Private Ltd for a total consideration of ` 25 crore in January 2009.
   
   
3. Mukesh Ambani led Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) and Reliance Petroleum Limited (RPL) were merged into one entity in March this year for ` 8500 crores or $1.6 billion, marking the 10th largest M&A deal in India till date.
   
   
4. American Tower Corporation acquired XCEL Telecom in a deal worth ` 700 crore ($136 million) in March this year.
   
   
5. Sodexo's acquisition of Radhakrishna Hospitality Services Group in a deal more than ` 400 crore in March end this year.
   
   
6. Sterlite Industries (India) Ltd's $1.7 billion Asarco LLC buyout deal that was carried out in March 2009 was placed in the league of 10 biggest-ever merger and acquisitions deal.
   
   
7. NTT DOCOMO, Inc acquired 26% of the Tata Teleservices Limited (TTSL) shares for approximately ` 127.4 billion in March this year.
   
   
8. Russian Government's acquisition of 20% stake in Sistema Shyam Telecom for approximately $680 million (` 3,432 crore) was the largest inbound business deal in 2009 and the deal has been approved by the Department of Telecom in November this year.