Torrent Energy is reportedly in discussions to amass Larsen & Toubro’s (LTOUF) thermal energy enterprise in a possible $1 billion deal, together with debt. Based on sources conversant in the matter, either side are working with advisers, however the construction remains to be taking form. For L&T, this transfer may help its effort to streamline operations and redirect capital towards its core engineering and building enterprise. For Torrent, it could open up a brand new chapter of enlargement in standard energy, including scale to an already various power portfolio.
L&T has been exploring a sale of the unit for years, together with earlier talks with Sembcorp Industries’ India arm in 2021. Whereas no deal materialized then, the present discussions counsel renewed urgency. Torrent Energy, a part of the Ahmedabad-based Torrent Group, is already lively throughout technology, transmission, distribution, and cable manufacturing. A thermal asset of this measurement may doubtlessly give it extra working leverage and steadiness throughout technology typeseven as India’s power combine continues shifting towards renewables.
Nonetheless, nothing is locked in. Sources mentioned talks stay ongoing, with the potential of phrases altering or new bidders coming into the fray. L&T declined to remark, and Torrent hasn’t but responded. Shares of Torrent Energy are down about 9% year-to-date, placing its market cap round $8 billionan attention-grabbing backdrop because it considers a daring guess in a maturing power section.
This text first appeared on GuruFocus.