Both companies are presently on a restructuring mode, Rallis India wanting to focus on biotech and reduce its heavy debt burden. It has put up on sale its cement and detergent business, and merged its wholly owned subsidiary Sabras Investments and Trading with itself. It recently sold off its 65.65 lakh ACC shares to Gujarat Ambuja. As a result, its profit went up to Rs 208 crores. Hence the rumours of the merger.
Official confirmation is yet to come.
White goods manufacturer Whirlpool has now entered the air conditioner market, with the introduction 1, 1.5 and 2 tonne capacity air-conditioners. Positioned in the price range of Rs 22,000 to 29,500, the air-conditioners, the company claims, have a super cooling system, are fitted with powerful blowers, and offer super quick and even cooling. The Whirlpool AC range is available in 'Futura' and 'Elite' models with a choice of rotary or reciprocating compressors, and electronic or electromechanical controls. The new company is headed by Deepak Verma, who earlier headed BPL Cellular in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. BPL's broadband access initiative is said to have hit a roadblock, cable operators not agreeing to concede the last mile connectivity.