3i to invest $25.8m for minority equity stake in Vijai Electricals

3i, world leading venture capital and private equity company, today announces that it will invest $25.8m in Vijai Electricals Limited ("Vijai").

Vijai is among the largest players in the power transmission and distribution equipment industry. The company is investing over $70m in expanding its product range to include extra high voltage power transformers and switchgear through technology tie-ups with majors in Japan and Russia.  Vijai is also a leading player in undertaking turn-key projects in the transmission and distribution space.

Announcing the partnership with 3i, Mr. D.J. Ramesh, Chairman of Vijai said, "We are happy to have 3i as our equity partner.  Through its global experience and network, 3i will add significant value to enhance our growth opportunities, particularly in international strategy and technology tie-ups.  They worked very closely with our team to complete the process in a very short time-frame."

Commenting on the transaction, Mr. Anil Ahuja, Managing Director, 3i India said, "India is witnessing significant growth in the power sector particularly in transmission and distribution.  We have been impressed with what Ramesh and his team have achieved so far.  Vijai is a clear leader in this space and we at 3i are excited and strongly believe in its growth potential.  We are committed to supporting Vijai achieve its growth aspiration and create a global foot-print."

The Indian power generation, transmission and distribution sector has seen tremendous growth in the past few years driven by government spending to sustain economic growth, reforms in central policies, a focus on rural electrification and an increase in power consumption driven by economic growth.