However, it is not only the real estate and auto sectors that are witnessing a slowdown; the entire industry is facing a liquidity crisis. In ’08, PE deals slowed down for the first time in July in terms of numbers as well as value. The total number of deals in the first seven months of ’08 stood at 215, against 224 in the first seven months of ’07. Though PE deals have slowed down, certain PE funds still feel there is value in several companies. The recent Rs 12,960-crore PE stake sale in Tata Teleservices to Japanese firm NTT DoCoMo proves that certain promising business models still exist even today and one can make the best of it.   more »

Baring Private Equity Partners India (Baring India), an advisor to Baring Funds which partner with companies for long term value creation today announced a decision by the Funds to invest upto $10 million in Sphaera Pharma, an integrated drug discovery and development company. Announcing the investment, Mr. Akhil Awasthi, Partner - Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare Practice, said: "Baring Funds believe that India would continue to provide leverage in R&D for global pharma even in a challenging economic scenario.   more »