Thursday, 5 June 2014

KKR likely to acquire majority stake in Avantha Power

Global private equity firm KKR is likely to acquire a majority stake in Avantha Power and Infrastructure Ltd, a Gautam Thapar-controlled independent power producer that’s close to completing two thermal power plants of 660 mw each located in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.

The PE firm has entered into an understanding to infuse $110 million (Rs 650 crore) in the company. After the fresh  round of funding, KKR’s economic interest in APIL will be about 55%, said two persons familiar with the development. KKR had already invested $125 million in Avantha Power in the last two rounds — $50 million in 2010 and $75 million in 2011, giving it a 19% stake. “The PE firm has already signed a preliminary term sheet with Avantha Power and has started the due diligence process,” said one of the persons cited above. “The fresh capital infusion is being done at a significantly lower valuation than 2011.” Both parties declined comment.  “Avantha Group does not comment on market speculation,” said a spokesperson. “KKR does not comment on market speculation,” said a representative of the PE firm. One of the persons cited above said the modality of the investment is yet to be finalised.

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