Kotak Mahindra Group companies to invest $300 million in Indian firms

19 Mar 2008

Kotak Mahindra Group companies, Kotak Private Equity Group and Kotak Realty Fund are looking at a joint investment of $300 million in Indian firms by the end of this financial year, to focus on infrastructure, domestic consumption and consumer spending plays along with global manufacturing opportunities.

The alternate assets group is in talks with mid-sized companies to seek capital for business expansions, acquisition financing and buyout transactions, the company reported.

The alternate assets business of the Kotak Group is around $1.4 billion, which consists of two asset classes namely – private equity & real estate, both led by independent investment teams.

Kotak Private Equity Group (KPEG) is the private equity arm of Kotak Mahindra Bank. The Kotak Group has been associated with private equity investments since 1997.

KPEG provides companies a combination of equity capital, strategic support and other value added services, helping emerging corporates and mid-size enterprises in building the business.

Kotak Realty Fund says it is in talks with various realty companies and hospitality developers for investment. The private had previously invested in Pride Group of hotels and Lemon Tree hotels
And are looking at similar companies, developing mid market hotels and low cost housing, according to the company.

Kotak Realty Fund, established in May 2005, is one of India's earliest private equity funds, which focused on real estate and real estate intensive businesses. Kotak Realty Fund operates as a venture capital fund, under the SEBI Venture Capital Fund Regulations, 1996 in India.

The fund's corpuses have been contributed by leading banks, domestic corporates, family offices and high net worth individuals. The fund is closed ended and has a life of seven years.

Kotak Mahindra is one of India's leading financial conglomerates, offering complete financial solutions that encompass every sphere of life. From commercial banking, to stock broking, to mutual funds, to life insurance, to investment banking, the group caters to the financial needs of individuals and corporates.