Tuesday, June 5, 2007

Hindalco shares rise 4% on takeover buzz

The Aditya Birla group-promoted Hindalco industries, the country’s largest aluminium producer, surged by about 4 per cent on the bourses to Rs 146.60 on market buzz that it could be a takeover target of the Alcan-Sterlite combine.

On a dull trading day, the scrip was the top gainer among the 30 Sensex stocks. It hit a day’s high of Rs 156.25, before profit-booking saw the counter shedding early gains.

The Birla Group holds about 30 per cent stake in Hindalco with foreign institutional investors (FIIs) and institutions holding 20 per cent and 12 per cent, respectively. About 10 per cent is in GDRs, while the remaining is with retail investors.

Sources in the Birla Group said the consolidation in the metal industry was taking place across the world where an identifiable promoter is not present. In Hindalco’s case, there is an identifiable promoter who holds 30 percent stake and would not sell under any circumstances.

Read more in The Business Standard article.

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