Author: Sreelatha M

Categories
Corporate

Adani sells 13% AWL stake to Wilmar for ₹4,646 crore

Adani Enterprises has sold a 13% stake in AWL Agri Business Ltd to Lence Pte Ltd, a fully owned subsidiary of Singapore-based Wilmar International, for ₹4,646 crore. The transaction was completed through an off-market deal at around ₹275 per share.

Before this sale, Adani’s subsidiary, Adani Commodities LLP, held a 20% stake in AWL Agri Business. After selling 13%, the Adani Group’s stake drops to about 7%, while Wilmar’s shareholding rises to nearly 57%, giving it stronger control over the company.

The deal also results in the termination of the long-standing shareholders’ agreement between Adani and Wilmar, which had been in place since 1999. The Competition Commission of India had already approved the stake transfer.

This decision is part of Adani’s broader strategy to fully exit the consumer goods and food products business and refocus on its core areas such as infrastructure, energy, and logistics. In recent months, Adani had outlined plans to divest up to 20% of its holding in AWL Agri Business to Wilmar at the same valuation.

AWL Agri Business which was formerly known as Adani Wilmar, is known for selling everyday food essentials including edible oils, rice, flour, pulses and sugar under well-known brands. With this transaction, Wilmar International becomes the clear majority owner and will now take the lead in driving the company’s future strategy.

Also Read: Adani Enterprises wins Golden Peacock ESG Award

Categories
Corporate

Adani Enterprises wins Golden Peacock ESG Award

Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL) has added an important milestone to its journey by winning the Golden Peacock Award for Excellence in ESG for 2025,  a recognition that reflects not just corporate achievement, but a shift towards more responsible and mindful growth.

The award was presented at the Annual London Global Convention of the Institute of Directors, where organisations from across the world shared their sustainability journeys. Among more than 400 applicants, AEL stood out as the only winner in the Diversified Sector, marking a proud moment in its first year of participation.

When Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu handed over the award, AEL’s Chief Sustainability Officer Vivek Panda received it with a sense of both pride and responsibility. For a company that has grown rapidly across infrastructure, airports, energy and new-age industries, the recognition reinforces that expansion and ethics can go hand in hand.

Company leaders have often described sustainability as a “belief system” rather than a checklist, a philosophy evident in their latest ESG Factbook. Here, AEL outlines clear targets: using 100% green electricity at the Mumbai International Airport, bringing down energy consumption intensity by 30% by 2030, and continuously reducing its carbon footprint through innovative, cleaner technologies.

AEL has also been focusing on how its work touches people, from community programmes around education and health, to inclusive employment practices and safer workplaces. Its teams have invested in cutting emissions, conserving water, managing waste responsibly and finding ways to grow without leaving behind environmental damage.

Over the years, these efforts have caught the attention of global sustainability rating agencies, investors and industry leaders who increasingly see ESG not as a trend, but as the foundation of long-lasting business.

For Adani Enterprises, the Golden Peacock Award is a reminder that growth carries a deeper meaning when it uplifts people and preserves the planet. The company says it remains committed to strengthening this approach as it expands into new sectors, guided by the belief that progress is most powerful when it is responsible, transparent and inclusive.

Also Read: Adani’s new ad film turns airports into caring companions

Categories
Corporate

Adani’s new ad film turns airports into caring companions

The Adani Group has released a heartfelt new film that brings to life the idea that airports are more than terminals, in fact they are companions in every traveler’s journey. Part of the group’s #HumKarkeDikhateHain campaign, the ad tells the story of an elderly couple taking their first international trip.

Excited yet nervous, the couple relies on a handwritten note from their son to navigate the airport. When the note is misplaced, their anxiety grows. That’s when an attentive Adani Airport staff member steps in, offering assistance with mobility, guiding them through shopping and lounges, and personally escorting them to their boarding gate. The story captures small acts of care that make travel smoother and more comforting, emphasizing empathy alongside efficiency.

Gautam Adani shared the campaign’s message on X (formerly Twitter):

“We promise to open new skies, carry your dreams across horizons, and hold your hand while you soar.”

The ad was directed by acclaimed filmmaker Shoojit Sircar and conceptualized by Ogilvy India, reflecting Adani’s vision of human-centric service. It reinforces the idea that Adani Airports are not just about world-class infrastructure, but also about creating experiences where travelers feel supported and valued. The campaign tagline sums up this philosophy perfectly:

“We don’t just run world-class airports… we become companions on your journey. Adani. Hum Karke Dikhate Hain.”

The launch of this film comes ahead of the much-anticipated opening of Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) on December 25. The airport is being developed under a public-private partnership, with Adani Airports holding a 74% stake and CIDCO the remaining 26%.

With this campaign, the Adani Group aims to humanize air travel, showing that even in a busy, bustling airport, travelers can expect empathy, attention, and genuine care. It’s a strategic effort to strengthen the brand’s image while connecting emotionally with passengers, highlighting that every journey, whether first or hundredth, can be supported and memorable.

Also Read: Wedding matchmaker Shaadi.com plans IPO after Lenskart listing

Categories
Corporate

Wedding matchmaker Shaadi.com plans IPO after Lenskart listing

Shaadi.com, one of India’s oldest and most trusted online matrimonial platforms, is exploring a potential IPO. The move highlights the growing trend of established digital brands entering the stock market to fund growth and innovation.

The company, founded by Anupam Mittal, also widely known as a judge on Shark Tank India, has reportedly begun preliminary discussions with investment bankers to evaluate the possibility of going public. While the talks are still at an early stage, they signal Shaadi.com’s ambition to raise capital to expand operations, strengthen its market position, and invest in technology and customer engagement. Key details such as timing, valuation, and share allocation are yet to be finalized.

Shaadi.com has been a pioneer in India’s online matchmaking space, connecting millions of individuals over the past two decades. The platform competes with other established players like Matrimony.com, which is already listed, and Jeevansathi.com, part of Info Edge. Going public could not only provide the company with fresh funds but also enhance its visibility and credibility in an increasingly competitive industry.

The move follows Lenskart’s successful public debut, founded by fellow Shark Tank India judge Peyush Bansal, underscoring the growing investor interest in India’s tech-driven consumer businesses. Analysts note that such listings reflect robust demand for companies with strong brand recognition and scalable business models.

Shaadi.com’s potential IPO is seen as a strategic step to capitalize on India’s growing online matchmaking market, which continues to evolve with changing social trends and wider adoption of digital platforms. For investors and market watchers, the company’s public listing could offer an insightful glimpse into the future of India’s digital services sector, particularly in niche markets where technology meets social engagement.

Also Read: Adani secures Jaiprakash Associates with ₹13,500 crore offer

Categories
Corporate

Adani secures Jaiprakash Associates with ₹13,500 crore offer

Adani Enterprises has received unanimous approval from creditors for its ₹13,500‑crore takeover plan of Jaiprakash Associates Ltd (JAL), surpassing a higher bid from Vedanta Ltd due to more favorable prepayment terms. While Vedanta had offered approximately ₹17,000 crore, lenders opted for Adani’s proposal for its accelerated repayment schedule, which could settle dues within 18–24 months versus Vedanta’s five-year timeline.

JAL has been under insolvency proceedings since June 2024, with outstanding debt claims totaling around ₹55,000–57,000 crore. The Committee of Creditors (CoC), led by the National Asset Reconstruction Company (NARCL), will now submit the resolution plan to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) for final approval.

Following the announcement, Jaiprakash Power Ventures Ltd (JP Power), in which JAL holds a 24% stake,  saw its share price surge nearly 9%, reflecting investor optimism that the Adani takeover could stabilise JAL and unlock long-term value.

Some market watchers note potential legal challenges from dissenting creditors, but the prevailing view is that Adani’s resolution plan is well-positioned for smooth implementation.

Also Read: Infosys opens ₹18,000 crore share buyback on Nov 20

Categories
1 Minute-Read

Capillary Technologies IPO subscribed 53 times

Capillary Technologies’ IPO saw overwhelming investor interest, closing with nearly 53 times subscription.

The Bengaluru-based SaaS company, offering AI-led loyalty and customer engagement tools, received bids for over 44 crore shares against 84 lakh on offer.

Demand was strongest from big investors, with NIIs subscribing around 70 times and QIBs about 57 times, while retail investors subscribed nearly 16 times.

The ₹877.5-crore issue, priced at ₹549–₹577, includes a fresh issue for expanding cloud infrastructure, R&D, and potential acquisitions. IPO allotment will be finalised on November 19, followed by refunds and demat credits.

Categories
Corporate

Infosys opens ₹18,000 crore share buyback on Nov 20

Infosys is launching its biggest-ever share buyback worth ₹18,000 crore. The company will start buying back its shares from November 20, and the window will stay open till November 26.

Infosys will buy up to 10 crore shares at a fixed price of ₹1,800 per share. This is higher than the current market price, so some investors may choose to sell their shares back to the company.

Shareholders who held Infosys shares on the record date, November 14, are eligible to take part. Small shareholders (those holding shares worth up to ₹2 lakh) have a separate reserved quota.

To participate, investors must tender their shares through their broker on NSE or BSE. Those holding physical share certificates must send the required documents to the registrar, KFin Technologies, before the deadline.

Infosys says the buyback is part of its plan to return extra cash to shareholders. Promoters, including Nandan Nilekani and Sudha Murty, will not sell their shares in this buyback.

The company will complete payments to those whose shares are accepted by December 3.

Also Read: Bitcoin drops below $90,000, rebounds fast

Categories
1 Minute-Read

Kaynes Tech falls 6% as 20% equity unlocks

Kaynes Technology’s shares fell nearly 6% after 20% of its equity, about 11.6 million shares worth roughly ₹7,233 crore, became available for trading as the lock-in period ended.

The sudden increase in free-float created selling pressure, pulling the stock down to an intraday low of ₹5,879.95. Despite the market reaction, the company recently posted strong quarterly numbers, with profit doubling to ₹121.4 crore and revenue rising 58% to ₹906 crore.

Its order book also expanded to over ₹8,099 crore, signalling healthy demand. Investors will now watch how the newly unlocked shares influence trading in the coming days.

Categories
Corporate

₹623 crore laundered via 27 crypto exchanges

A government-backed investigation has uncovered a large-scale crypto-laundering network operating across India, with cybercriminals allegedly siphoning ₹623 crore through 27 domestic cryptocurrency exchanges over a span of 21 months. The findings, drawn from a collaborative global probe called “The Coin Laundry,” shed light on how stolen money is being systematically channelled through India’s fast-growing digital asset ecosystem.

Data compiled by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) shows that funds taken from 2,872 victims, mostly through online investment frauds, job scams and loan app traps, were quickly converted into cryptocurrency and moved through exchanges before being routed overseas. Investigators identified suspicious flows in at least 144 cybercrime cases tracked over the past three years.

The scale of laundering varied significantly across platforms, with one exchange seeing inflows of more than ₹360 crore, while another recorded around ₹6 crore. Major platforms, including WazirX, CoinDCX, ZebPay, Giottus, Mudrex and CoinSwitch, feature in the list of exchanges flagged for further scrutiny.

Officials caution that the reported figure may represent only a fraction of the actual laundering activity. The nature of blockchain transactions, combined with inconsistent compliance standards across exchanges, has made it easier for criminal networks to exploit weak verification and monitoring systems. Investigators are examining possible failures in Know Your Customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) protocols.

The probe has also thrown up unusual links. One suspect associated with the laundering ring, believed to be of Russian origin, was connected to a film featuring Hollywood actor Kevin Spacey and Bollywood actor Disha Patani, held investor events in India and even hosted a birthday celebration in Mumbai for Maye Musk, mother of Elon Musk.

The revelations come at a time when India is still framing its long-term policy on cryptocurrency regulation. The findings underscore the need for stronger oversight, clearer compliance standards and faster reporting mechanisms to prevent exchanges from becoming conduits for global criminal networks.

Also Read: Microsoft, Nvidia invest $15 billion in Anthropic

Categories
Leaders

Meta revenue chief Hegeman leaves to start own venture

John Hegeman, Chief Revenue Officer at Meta, has announced his departure after 17 years to pursue his own entrepreneurial venture. Hegeman, who has been central to Meta’s advertising and revenue strategies, described leaving as a mix of excitement and reflection, noting that building something new had long been a personal goal.

During his tenure, Hegeman oversaw key areas including Meta’s core ad platforms, the feed, Stories, notifications, and other business operations. His leadership helped establish Meta’s advertising system as one of the most profitable in tech and supported the company’s global growth.

Following his exit, Andrew Bocking, a senior executive, will take over Hegeman’s responsibilities in advertising and business messaging. Simultaneously, Meta is reorganizing its AI teams, assigning leadership to oversee key initiatives and long-term innovation projects.

Hegeman’s departure comes amid heightened scrutiny of Meta’s growing investment in AI. While the company continues to report strong revenue, rising costs in AI infrastructure have prompted strategic adjustments.

Although details of his startup remain private, Hegeman’s experience at Meta positions him well for a potentially impactful venture. His exit reflects a broader trend of seasoned tech executives leaving established firms to pursue entrepreneurial ambitions, signaling shifts in leadership as the industry continues to evolve.

Also Read:  Amazon founder, Bezos , returns to lead $6.2 billion AI startup