GE Equity, private equity arm of the US-based conglomerate General Electric (GE), is picking 30% stake in Chennai-based aircraft and spacecraft parts maker Kerns Aero Products for Rs 10 crore, said a person with direct knowledge of the transaction. The deal would value Kerns Aero at Rs 33.3 crore and the proceeds from the stake sale will help it to fund expansion plans in the country, said the person. As per the transaction, Kerns Aero Products will issue 10.35 lakh mandatory convertible preference shares of Rs 10 each at a premium of Rs 87 to GE Equity Capital representing around 30% of the expanded capital.   more »

The Astro Group of Malaysia has picked up a 50 per cent stake in Mogae Digital and will invest $ 5 million in the venture. The joint venture has a slew of launches this year that include a social-networking portal for mobile phones, games and comics for mobiles and a local search engine. "Mogae Digital intends to be at the forefront of the content revolution that will soon unfold with the launch of 3G services in India. But our unique model, while preparing for 3G related opportunities, focuses first on the available 300 million current mobile users." says Sandeep Goyal, chairman, Mogae Digital. Adds Raghavendra Madhav, executive director, Astro Group, "The products created by Mogae Digital are versatile and effectively engage consumers at different levels. Given Astro's already large interest in media space, Mogae Digital will be a good addition to our bouquet."   more »

Gateway Distriparks (GDL), which holds 74% equity in its unlisted subsidiary company Gateway East India (GEIPL), Visakhapatnam, has acquired the balance 26% equity from the other shareholders in GEIPL. With this acquisition, GEIPL has become a wholly owned subsidiary company of GDL. GDL has paid a consideration of Rs 46.8 million to acquire 11.70 lakh equity shares of face value of Rs 10 each in GEIPL, constituting 26% of its paid up equity capital. This acquisition will enable GDL in expanding the scope of its operations and consolidate its presence in the eastern and southern region of India.   more »