As the Bombay Stock Exchange successfully completed the demutalisation process as mandated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India, all eyes were focused on new investors who would be picking up the BSE’s remaining 41% stake. The names remain confidential at the moment, but sources close to the development said S “Kris” Gopalakrishnan, CEO-designate, Infosys Technologies, had picked up 1% in the BSE. Gopalakrishnan did so in his personal capacity, sources close to him said.
When contacted, an Infosys spokesperson said Gopalakrishnan was unavailable for comment as he was abroad.
Along with Gopalkrishnan, it is believed that around 10 high networth individuals have picked up around 1% stake each in the BSE. The broking community is abuzz with the name of Anand Mahindra being one among the 10 though this is yet to be confirmed.
Overall, the demutualisation process of the BSE got an overwhelming response from member brokers. They tendered 10% more than the stipulated number of shares. Of every 100 shares offered by member brokers, 91 were accepted by the BSE and the remaining 9 were returned, said a broker with the bourse. Shares tendered by trading members-shareholders of the BSE in an offer-for-sale programme have now been placed with 19 domestic and overseas investors.
Source : Financial Express