Veranda Learning Solutions Limited (VLS), an education-focused company,  purchased a 40.41% stake in BB Publication Private Ltd, and 65% in Navkar Digital, making it an associate company. 

Purpose of the Acquisition

VLS aims to expand its educational services through both organic growth and acquisitions. BB Publication and Navkar’s expertise aligns with VLS’s focus on training students for competitive exams, making this acquisition a strategic move.

About BB Publication

BB Publication is a private company based in India that provides online coaching and study materials for CA (Chartered Accountant) and CMA (Cost and Management Accountant) courses. In the financial year 2023-24, it had assets worth ₹30.86 crores and a turnover of ₹53.94 crores.

About Navkar Digital

Navkar Digital, founded by Mr Hiteshkumar Shah, is a leading offline education platform in Gujarat for CA, CS, and CMA aspirants, built on his 17 years of teaching excellence. With its acquisition by Veranda, Navkar Digital joins forces with JK Shah Classes and BB Virtuals to enhance commerce education across India. 

Prof. J.K. Shah emphasised that this collaboration creates a strong academic alliance, offering unmatched support to finance students. Mr. Hitesh Shah expressed enthusiasm about integrating technology-driven learning while maintaining the discipline of traditional teaching, ensuring continued success for aspiring professionals.

Financial Considerations and Future Plans

The acquisition cost will be based on BB Publication’s earnings over time, with payments made through cash or share swaps. VLS plans to fully acquire BB Publication by March 2031, integrating it into its education-focused business model.

Share Performance 

As of February 25, 2025, at 10:05 AM, the shares of VLS are trading at ₹234.53 per share, reflecting a surge of 2.41% from the previous day’s closing price. Over the past month, the stock has registered a profit of 8.49%. The stock’s 52-week high stands at ₹360.25 per share, while its 52-week low is ₹135 per share.

Conclusion

Veranda Learning Solutions’ acquisition of a 40.41% stake in BB Publication marks a strategic expansion in the competitive exam training sector. With plans for full ownership by 2031, this move strengthens VLS’s position in the education industry, leveraging BB Publication’s expertise in CA and CMA coaching.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Delhivery, a leading third-party logistics provider, is revolutionising transportation for high-volume sectors such as automobiles and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) by introducing road trains—tractor units towing multiple trailers. This innovation aims to enhance efficiency and reduce costs, positioning the company at the forefront of logistics advancements.

Road Trains: Enhancing Cost Efficiency in Logistics

Delhivery has introduced its first road train in collaboration with Volvo Trucks. The model features a 24-foot containerised intermediate trailer linked to a 44-foot semi-trailer, resulting in a total cargo capacity of 144 cubic metres—50% higher than standard semi-trailers. The company has been piloting road trains along the Mumbai-Nagpur corridor since the road ministry sanctioned their use in 2020. These trials have demonstrated efficiency improvements of at least 10%, a significant advantage in the low-margin logistics industry.

By the end of 2025, Delhivery aims to expand its road train fleet to 10 units and extend operations to additional expressways. The company is working closely with Volvo and government agencies to identify suitable routes, including the NCR-Lucknow corridor via the Yamuna and Agra expressways, the Delhi-Baroda expressway, the Delhi-Dehradun expressway, and the Bangalore-Chennai expressway. Expressways are preferred due to their controlled access, absence of pedestrian crossings, and dedicated lanes, ensuring safer operations for longer vehicles.

Sustainability Drive with LNG Trucks

Alongside road trains, Delhivery is increasing its fleet of liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered trucks to align with its sustainability objectives. Currently operating 20 LNG trucks, the company plans to add 30 more, bringing the total to 50 within the next three months. These vehicles, procured from Volvo in July last year, provide a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to diesel.

LNG-powered trucks offer greater fuel efficiency and help mitigate diesel price volatility. The shift towards LNG also reflects the growing preference of companies for sustainable logistics solutions when awarding contracts. With this strategic expansion, Delhivery is reinforcing its commitment to innovation and efficiency in the logistics sector.

Delhivery Share Performance

As of February 25, 2025, at 12:40 PM, Shares of Delhivery are trading at ₹266.15 per share, reflecting a decline of 2.47% from the previous day’s closing price.

Conclusion

Delhivery’s investment in road trains and LNG trucks highlights its focus on cost reduction, efficiency enhancement, and logistics sustainability. By leveraging expressway networks and cleaner fuel alternatives, the company is positioning itself as a leader in modern transportation solutions.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Camlin Fine Sciences Limited (CFS) has signed an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Vinpai S.A., a French company specialising in functional ingredients derived from algae, plants, minerals, and fibers. 

The deal will be carried out through a share swap and a cash offer.

Acquisition Details

CFS will initially acquire 78.68% of Vinpai’s outstanding share capital from its founders and other major shareholders. Instead of paying in cash, CFS will issue new ordinary shares to the sellers, with the price calculated in line with SEBI’s ICDR Regulations, 2018.

Alongside the acquisition, CFS will invest €3.3 million in Vinpai through listed secured convertible bonds. These bonds will be converted into ordinary equity shares after the acquisition, increasing CFS’s stake further.

Mandatory Tender Offer to Public Shareholders

Once the majority acquisition and bond conversion are completed, CFS will initiate a public tender offer to buy the remaining Vinpai shares at €3.60 per share. If this results in CFS owning more than 90%, a squeeze-out process under French law could follow, leading to full ownership.

Regulatory and Approval Requirements

The deal is subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals. The Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF), the French financial regulator, must approve the tender offer. CFS aims to complete the transaction by June 30, 2025.

Considerations

The acquisition expands CFS’s presence in natural ingredients. However, the impact on its valuation and future strategy remains to be seen.

Camlin Fine Sciences Ltd shares were trading at ₹162.00, up ₹0.99 (0.61%) today (as of Feb 25, 10:10 AM), with a 36.29% gain over the past month and a 57.76% rise in the past six months.

Vinpai’s Business

Vinpai was founded in 2011 and focuses on providing natural ingredient alternatives for the food, cosmetics, and nutraceutical industries. It has developed over 3,500 formulations and operates from two locations in France.

Recent financials:

• 2024 Turnover: €9.2 million
• 2023 Turnover: €7.9 million
• 2023 Net Loss: €3.4 million

The company went public on Euronext Growth Paris in July 2023.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Welspun Specialty Solutions Limited has changed the record date for its upcoming ₹350 crore rights issue from February 27, 2025, to March 1, 2025. The revision has been made in line with SEBI’s Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements (LODR) Regulations, 2015 and Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements (ICDR) Regulations, 2018.

As of February 25, 10:17 AM, Welspun Specialty Solutions Ltd is trading at ₹40.00, up 0.68% today, but down 9.69% over the past month, while still holding a 7.12% gain over the past year.

Issue Details

The rights issue involves the issuance of 13,25,22,289 equity shares, priced at ₹26.40 per share, which includes a ₹20.40 premium. The rights entitlement ratio is 1 new share for every 4 shares held as of the record date.

Subscription Timeline

The issue will open on March 10, 2025, and close on March 19, 2025. The on-market renunciation window will be available from March 10 to March 13, 2025. For off-market renunciations, shareholders must make sure that rights entitlements are credited to the renouncee’s demat account before the closing date.

Before the rights issue, the company has 53,00,89,156 outstanding shares. If fully subscribed, this will increase to 66,26,11,445 shares.

Eligibility

Only shareholders holding at least 4 shares on the record date will receive rights equity shares. Those with fewer than 4 shares will not get direct entitlement but can still apply for additional shares. 

If such shareholders apply for more shares than their entitlement, they may receive preference in allotment, depending on availability.

Conclusion

The rights issue was originally set to have February 27, 2025, as the record date, but this has now been moved to March 1, 2025. The change ensures regulatory compliance.

Investors should note the updated record date and take necessary action if they wish to participate. The revision does not impact the overall structure of the rights issue but provides a new cutoff for determining eligible shareholders.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

The US Congress is making a renewed push to bring generic drug manufacturing back home. Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) has reintroduced the Producing Incentives for Long-term Production of Lifesaving Supply of Medicines (PILLS) Act, a legislative initiative designed to encourage pharmaceutical companies to relocate their generic drug production to the United States.

The move is primarily driven by concerns over the heavy dependence on India and China for the supply of essential medicines. These nations have become dominant players in the generic drug industry due to their lower production costs and relatively relaxed manufacturing standards. However, this centralisation has raised fears of potential supply chain disruptions and compromised drug quality.

Key Features of the PILLS Act

The PILLS Act proposes a series of tax incentives for pharmaceutical manufacturers that shift their entire production process—including raw material sourcing, drug formulation, and quality testing—to the United States. The goal is to reduce America’s reliance on foreign suppliers while enhancing national security, creating domestic jobs, and ensuring a stable supply of high-quality generic medicines.

Congresswoman Tenney emphasised the urgency of the initiative, stating: “Drug manufacturing has moved overseas, putting American jobs and the security of our essential medical supply chains at risk. By strengthening tax incentives for domestic drug production, the PILLS Act will help prevent dangerous supply chain disruptions, reinforce our pharmaceutical security, and create American jobs.”

Concerns Over US Drug Supply Chains

The reliance on foreign nations for pharmaceuticals has been a growing issue. Zach Mottl, Chairman of the Coalition for a Prosperous America (CPA), highlighted the escalating crisis in the US, where more than 90% of all prescriptions are for generic drugs. Since 2002, imports from India have increased 35 times, while imports from China have surged 165 times. The PILLS Act is viewed as a necessary intervention to counteract this overdependence and safeguard domestic drug availability.

Similarly, David Sanders, Founder and Board Member of Securing America’s Medicines and Supply (SAMS), supported the initiative, stating that the Act aligns with the broader mission to reshore essential medicines, including generic drugs, biologics, and biosimilars, through targeted tax credits.

Potential Impact on Indian Pharma

India is one of the leading leading suppliers of generic drugs to the US. Many Indian pharmaceutical companies have built their business models around exporting to the US market. If the PILLS Act succeeds in attracting more pharmaceutical production back to the US, Indian manufacturers could face a potential decline in export demand and increased competition from US-based production units.

According to the news report, the key concerns for Indian pharma firms with exposure to the US include:

• Reduced export demand – If US pharmaceutical companies are incentivised to manufacture domestically, demand for imports from India may decline.
• Increased regulatory scrutiny – Stricter US policies could lead to heightened compliance requirements for Indian firms.
• Potential price pressures – As the US looks to stabilise its domestic supply chain, Indian firms may need to adjust pricing strategies to remain competitive.

What Lies Ahead?

While the PILLS Act is yet to be passed, it signals a growing shift in US pharmaceutical policy towards self-sufficiency. Indian pharma giants such as Sun Pharma, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Cipla, and Aurobindo Pharma, have substantial exposure to the US market.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

According to news reports, in a significant development within the financial sector, Jio BlackRock has announced the appointment of Sid Swaminathan, a seasoned professional with extensive experience at BlackRock, to lead its operations. This move comes as the joint venture between BlackRock Inc. and Mukesh Ambani’s financial services unit (Jio Financial Services) prepares to re-enter the Indian market with renewed vigour.

As of 10:10 AM on February 24, 2025, Jio Financial Services share price is trading at ₹230.99 a 1.15% decline.

The Joint Venture’s Background

Jio BlackRock is a 50:50 joint venture that marks a strategic collaboration aimed at capitalising on one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. After BlackRock’s exit from India in 2018, this new partnership represents an opportunity to leverage deep financial expertise alongside Ambani’s expansive business empire. The venture recently received in-principle approval from India’s securities regulator to launch its mutual fund business, signalling a fresh chapter in its evolution.

Appointment of Sid Swaminathan

London-based Sid Swaminathan brings 2 decades of experience from the world’s largest asset manager to his new role. His appointment is seen as a cornerstone in assembling a robust leadership team for Jio BlackRock Asset Management. Swaminathan’s vast expertise in asset management is expected to be instrumental as the firm charts its course into India’s dynamic market.

Strengthening the Leadership Team

Alongside Swaminathan’s appointment, Jio BlackRock has bolstered its senior leadership with several key hires. Komal Narang has been named the chief client officer, while R. Arun has joined the fixed-income team. Additionally, Prateek Nigudkar has transitioned from DSP Asset Managers to serve as a fund manager, and Tanvi Kacheria has relocated from BlackRock US to support the venture. These appointments underscore the joint venture’s commitment to building a diverse and experienced team.

Strategic Implications for the Indian Market

This series of high-profile appointments arrives at a time when Ambani is keen to disrupt India’s financial landscape by leveraging his extensive interests in telecommunications and retail. For BlackRock, the renewed focus on India offers a pathway to re-establish its presence in a market characterised by rapid growth and evolving investor dynamics. The collaboration is set to combine international expertise with local market insights, fostering a platform for future growth in asset management.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.