Instan tip

Does the meltdown in the US and in Western Europe present an opportunity for India Inc. to shop for big-ticket assets?

Maybe. Marut Sengupta, Head (Economic Policy), CII
The uncertainty in the global economy hasn’t settled as yet. The credit squeeze has led to a situation where raising capital for acquisitions has become extremely difficult. But if any company has a large cash balance, this is the best time for a buyout.

No. Ramesh Damani, Member, BSE
The time for bulge-bracket overseas acquisitions is over for now. Companies across sectors are struggling with a severe liquidity crunch. Except for a few companies, most don’t have the appetite for large acquisitions.

Maybe. Ramachandran Krishnan, Director, Barclays Wealth
The meltdown has made valuations of several large foreign companies tempting, but only in a few sectors. There is no sense in buying financial services assets now. Manufacturing companies, however, do present an acquisition opportunity. Indian auto and auto ancillary, engineering and IT companies are increasingly looking to grow the inorganic way. Some of them may be tempted to make an acquisition now.

—Compiled By Manu Kaushik