Actis Biologics (India) is close to finalising a deal with private equity (PE) players to sell 15% stake. The company is in advanced stages of discussions with three foreign players to raise Rs 125 crore through issue of fresh shares, said Actis Biologics CEO Sanjeev Saxena.
“The talks have taken longer time because of the global financial crisis. However, we hope to finalise a deal before the end of the year. The money raised will go towards the new plant to be built at Khopoli in Mumbai. The cost for the plant is estimated to be $9.5 million (approximately Rs 44 crore),”said Actis Biologics president PN Venugopalan.
The remaining money would be utilised to meet the company’s working capital requirement in next 10 months till the plant is up and running and starts generating revenue. Mr Saxena said that the company is continuing its research and is also looking at acquisition opportunities in the form of technology or smaller biotech companies.
Actis Biologics had recently purchased a technology ‘Liv1’ and is looking to set up an office in the US, for which these funds would be used. Actis has already invested $10 million in its R&D lab in Mumbai. The company plans to launch its new technology ‘VFF2’ in 8-10 months.
Source: Economic Times