Mergers and acquisitions is a growing trend that is emerging in India. There are enormous strategic acquisition opportunities for Indian companies. Last year alone saw 1141 deals worth approximately $27 billion in the Indian M&A; market. At the same time, some of the larger companies tend to spin off or, de-merge, parts of their operations, to concentrate on their `core’ activities.

The seminar was attended by over 100 corporate managers, company secretaries, faculty and students of business schools. The renowned practitioners in the area of mergers and acquisitions, who spoke on this occasion, were

· Ms. Shailashri Bhaskar – Former Deputy General Manager, Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI)

· Mr. S. V. Subramaniam – Corporate Advisor, Larsen & Toubro Limited

· Ms. Shashikala Rao – Company Secretary, Indian Petrochemicals Corporation Limited

· Mr. Surendra Kanstiya – Former President of Consumer Guidance Society of India (CGSI)

· Mr. Ramesh Laxmanan – Practising Chartered Accountant.

The keynote address of the seminar was delivered by Justice F. I. Rebello, Judge, Bombay High Court. He lauded the efforts of JBIMS and CCRT for organizing a seminar on such a thought-provoking and topical subject

Ms. Shashikala Rao who has been a part of many successful restructuring assignments spoke at length about the regulatory and procedural aspects of mergers. Ms. Shailashri Bhaskar, former deputy general manager in the primary market division of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) explained the intricacies of regulations and compliances involved in effecting takeovers. Mr. Surendra Kanstiya dwelt with mergers and acquisitions from the perspective of competition law. Mr. Subramaniam spoke on ethical and corporate governance issues involved in mergers and acquisitions. Mr. Ramesh Laxman touched upon the valuation aspects of mergers and acquisitions. He provided valuable insights into the valuation practices followed globally. Dr. A D Sawant, Pro-Vice Chancellor, University of Mumbai concluded the seminar with a valedictory address.