Business

India’s Deal Activity Jumps 14% in February, Reaching a Three-Year High

Published

1 year ago

March 15, 2025

Despite economic uncertainties, India’s deal activity surged by 14 percent in February, reaching a three-year high in volume, as outlined in a report released Thursday. The country recorded 226 mergers and acquisitions (M&A) along with private equity (PE) transactions totaling $7.2 billion—an impressive 67 percent increase in volume and a staggering 5.4 times rise in value compared to February 2024, according to data from Grant Thornton Bharat.

In total, India’s deal landscape experienced a notable rise in February, featuring 233 transactions worth $9.1 billion, which included initial public offerings (IPOs) and qualified institutional placements (QIPs).

In the face of global economic uncertainties, such as reduced foreign investments in Indian public markets and potential trade tariffs, the country’s deal landscape has proven resilient, largely fueled by strong domestic demand. “The Indian deal landscape continued its solid momentum from January into February, achieving the highest monthly deal volumes seen in three years,” stated Shanthi Vijetha, Partner at Grant Thornton Bharat.

Both M&A and PE transactions have seen growth in recent months and are expected to persist, bolstered by the proposals set forth in the Union Budget 2025—especially in critical sectors like manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, and banking.

The M&A segment reached a record 85 deals in February, marking a 23 percent increase from January. Domestic transactions were particularly prominent, constituting 68 percent of the total volume and 78 percent of the overall value. The top deal of the month was ONGC NTPC Green Pvt Ltd’s acquisition of a 100 percent stake in Ayana Renewable Power Pvt Ltd for $2.3 billion.

The private equity segment also saw significant growth in February, with deal volumes increasing by 9 percent to 141 from 129 in January, alongside a 16 percent rise in total value to $2.4 billion, up from $2.1 billion the previous month. This marks the highest monthly deal volume since May 2022 and represents the fourth consecutive month of increasing deal volumes and values since November 2024, according to the report.

Business

Honda Begins Delivery of 2026 City Hybrid

Published

4 days ago

June 3, 2026

Namma Kudla

Business: Honda Cars India has started delivering the new 2026 Honda City Hybrid to customers. The first car was handed over at a dealership in Bengaluru.

Honda President and CEO Takashi Nakajima attended the special delivery event. Other senior company officials were also present.

The first customer received a Crystal Black Pearl Honda City Hybrid. The car was delivered with a symbolic key and a gift hamper.

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The updated City comes with new features such as ventilated front seats and a 360-degree camera. It also offers wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a sunroof.

The sedan is available with petrol and strong-hybrid powertrain options. Honda claims the hybrid version delivers a mileage of 27.26 kmpl.

The Honda City competes with the Volkswagen Virtus, Skoda Slavia, and Hyundai Verna in India.

Business

Overseas Loans by Indian Firms See Sharp Decline

Published

3 weeks ago

May 17, 2026

Namma Kudla

Business : Indian companies borrowed $5.43 billion from abroad in March, according to RBI data. This was 51% lower than March last year.

Experts said the weak rupee and high global interest rates made foreign loans less attractive for companies.

In the financial year 2025-26, India Inc raised nearly $43 billion through foreign borrowings. This was down from $61 billion in the previous year.

In March 2025, borrowings had crossed $11 billion due to large deals by companies like JSW Steel and Tata Semiconductor Manufacturing.

Companies are also avoiding overseas loans because hedging costs have become expensive during currency volatility.

The RBI reportedly discussed easing foreign borrowing rules and offering hedging support, but no final decision was taken.

Market experts said the ongoing West Asia conflict has increased uncertainty, making companies cautious about raising funds from abroad.

Business

Fuel Prices Hiked by Rs.3 per Litre across India

Published

3 weeks ago

May 15, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Petrol and diesel prices have been increased by Rs.3 per litre across the country from today. Oil marketing companies revised the rates due to the rise in global crude oil prices.

After the hike, petrol price in Bengaluru has reached Rs.106.17 per litre, while diesel now costs Rs.94.10 per litre.

The increase comes amid fluctuations in international crude oil prices and tensions in West Asia, including the Iran conflict. The fall in the value of the Indian rupee against the US dollar has also increased import costs.

The fuel price hike is expected to affect transportation and daily essentials. Transport charges for goods may rise, leading to higher prices of vegetables, fruits, milk, and other items. Bus, auto, and taxi fares may also increase.

Earlier, fuel prices were reduced before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In 2022, the Centre had also cut excise duty to control inflation after the Covid pandemic.