ET reported that Zuari Industries is re entering cement business after exiting it four years ago as part of plans to spend over USD 1.5 billion for expanding fertilizer, real estate and cement businesses.
As per report the company had sold its equity stake in the cement business to joint venture partner Italcementi in 2006.
Mr Saroj Poddar chairman of Zuari Industries said the Italian cement giant has the right of first refusal to undertake either jointly or wholly the proposed cement unit that is at present housed under Gulbarga Cement. But the rights expire in October and Italcementi has not shown any interest in the project as yet.
He said that “Although the next two years will see lot of capacity coming up in the sector, over a longer period, cement remains a lucrative business to be in, given the economic growth prospects of the country.”
Mr Poddar said that the initial plan is to set up a three million tonne cement plant at Gulbarga in Karnataka. The project would absorb an investment of INR 1,500 crore and is expected to commence from mid 2011. It will be funded through a mix of internal accruals, borrowings and a possible equity issue.
He added that “We will not restrict ourselves to this Greenfield unit and will consider all means to expand even if it comes down to making acquisitions.”
Mr Poddar said that besides re entering cement, Zuari also has plans to invest around INR 5,790 crore for expanding the core fertilizer business. A large part of this will be used for INR 5,000 crore Greenfield ammonia urea complex of 1.1 million tonnes. Zuari may consider raising fresh funds through a public issue for this project.
Mr Poddar added that “We are also scouting for acquiring mines abroad to secure raw material for fertilizer business. The group could also look to set up a new fertilizer plant internationally if it gains access to mining operations. Meanwhile, Zuari is also foraying into the real estate business with its first township development project worth INR500 crore in Mysore. This would be a stepping stone to expand presence in the realty space.”
(Sourced from ET)
