GMR Energy Limited GEL has signed a Shareholders Agreement to raise capital from Investors led by IDFC Group for its energy expansion plans. IDFC Private Equity steered this investment process. The IDFC Group and co investors, Argonaut Ventures and Ascent Capital have signed a Shareholders Agreement to invest INR 465 crores into GEL. The funds from the IDFC Group led investors will support the company in expanding its power generation capacity from 808 MW to more than 6500 MW over the next few years. The company has already achieved financial closure and fuel linkages for GMR Kamalanga 1050 MW capacity, which is being enhanced to 1400 MW and EPC contract for the expansion is finalized with SEPCO, China, who are also the EPC contractors for 1050 MW capacity and Emco Energy 600 MW Several other projects are also in an advanced development stage.
Mr G M Rao GMR Group Chairman said, We are extremely happy to have IDFC Group, Argonaut and Ascent as the shareholders of GEL. Our relationship with the IDFC Group has been sustained over time and we are confident that this relationship will continue to be a mutually gratifying experience for both parties
Dr Rajiv Lall, Managing Director and CEO of IDFC said The GMR Group is one of the most dynamic and capable infrastructure developers globally. We are glad to support the Group as it continues to build and deliver world class infrastructure on time." He further added that The Indian power generation sector represents an attractive investment opportunity given the current supply demand imbalance. GMR Energy Ltd GEL has an experienced team, proven track record in implementing power projects and diversified fuels assured asset portfolio
About GMR
GMR Group is a Bangalore headquartered global infrastructure major with interests in Airports, Energy, Highways and Urban Infrastructure. The Company has successfully employed the public private partnership model to build a portfolio of high quality assets. The Company has thirteen power projects of which three are operational and ten are under various stages of implementation and nine road projects, of which six are operational and three are under development. In the Airports sector, it has developed and commissioned the Greenfield International Airport at Hyderabad. The Group, besides operating and modernizing the existing Delhi International Airport, is also building a brand new integrated terminal T3 which will be operational in July 2010. It has also built a new terminal, designed to handle 20 million passenger capacity, at the Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport in Turkey and is operating it successfully. The Group has also acquired a 50 percent stake in global power generation company Inter Gen NV, marking its foray into the global energy sector. The Group is also committed to social development initiatives and executes these through its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, the GMR Varalakshmi Foundation GMRVF
For further information about the GMR Group, visit www.gmrgroup.in
About IDFC Group
Infrastructure Development Finance Co Ltd IDFC is one of India's largest infrastructure focused financial institutions. It was established in 1997 with a mission to bring innovation to infrastructure finance and facilitate the growth of private participation in infrastructure developments in India. IDFC is capable of financing and servicing the entire value chain in this sector through the four pillars of its businesses, namely Project & Corporate Finance, Alternative Asset Management, Public Markets Asset Management and IDFC Foundation. IDFC has played an important role in facilitating private sector involvement in Indian infrastructure and has financed over 200 projects across core infrastructure sectors such as power, roads and telecommunications. IDFC Group has mobilized and committed over USD 5 billion in debt and USD 3 billion in equity to infrastructure companies and projects in India. IDFC has demonstrated strong financial performance over the last 5 years with profits after tax increasing at a CAGR of 28 percent to INR 1062 crore in FY 2010, net worth of INR 6823 crore, balance sheet size of approximately INR 33500 crore and market capitalization of approximately INR 20000 crore
About Argonaut Ventures
Argonaut is a USD 5.5 billion diversified global private equity fund with investments ranging from USD 1 million to USD 500 million and spanning such diverse markets as consumer electronics, specialty materials, telecommunications, drug discovery and delivery, medical devices, aviation and healthcare services. Argonaut's portfolio includes investments in the United States, China, Israel, India, Japan, Eastern Europe and Australia. Argonaut has invested over USD 350 million in India in private equity funds, public markets and private equity. Significant investments in India include Kou tons Retail, City Union Bank, Shriram EPC, Federal Bank and VKL Spices.
About Ascent Capital Advisors India Private Limited
Ascent Capital Advisors India Pvt Ltd is an independent investment entity formed by the erstwhile UTI Ventures team and focused on growth capital. Ascent Capital currently advises and manages ITVUS Fund I Ascent India Fund Fund II and Ascent India Fund III. With total assets under management of USD 600 million, significant investments in India include Consolidated Construction Consortium, Kou tons, Ind Bharath and Shriram EPC.