Manoj Gupta, Vice President, Nexus Capital Advisors spoke about the parameters on which prospective ventures for funding are evaluated. Describing the entire investment process as aa long, tiring, often frustrating, but an ultimately hugely rewarding processa, Mr. Gupta offered a list of practical tips that should be followed when pitching to venture capitalists was presented. Ravi Mani, Assosciate Director, Equirius Capital explained the basics of Investment Banking as he elaborated on what takes place behind the scenes during the M&A; deals explaining the process. Sadashiv Rao, Senior Director at IDFC, talked about the essence of infrastructure financing while elaborating on market analysis and different types of risk on which a project can be evaluated.
Hemendra Aran, founder and CEO of Aranca, addressed the students on why developing economies like India are attracting an increasing number of mergers and acquisitions. He touched upon the patterns of cross border M&A; activities that have emerged over the years. He also stressed on the importance of focusing on cultural issues which have been a major reason behind the failure of acquisitions across the globe. Som Krishna, ICICI Investment Banking Group spoke about the contrast in the deals happening internationally and in India. He maintained that several positive aspects like successful integration of earlier acquisitions, profits in line with expectations and liberalization will drive M&As; in India. However, challenges like tight liquidity conditions, economic slowdown and high cost of borrowing in debt market might impede the rate of M&As.;
A panel discussion on aCross Border M&Asa; was also held as part of the seminar with the panel consisting of various speakers. Major challenges and complexities faced by firms in first identifying the targets and then in integrating them into the acquireras business were discussed. The discussions also focused on the current scenario and major trends in the financial services sector in India with the industry becoming more capital intensive. As Indian corporates become increasingly a part of global mergers and acquisitions, more consolidation is expected in the future.