Hinduja Group eyes to tap Italian infrastructure sector

ROME: The Hinduja Group is in talks with Italian companies, including Autostrada, for partnerships as it eyes to tap the infrastructure sector in the country.

"In Italy, we are exploring in a big way in the infrastructure sector. Talks are going on with two-three companies like Autostrada," Prakash P Hinduja, Chairman, Advisory Board of Hinduja Bank, Switzerland told PTI.

He, however, said nothing has been finalised yet. "We have asked them to visit India before entering into any partnership for technology transfer," Hinduja said, adding discussions were on with Autostrada, which manages 60 per cent highways in Italy, for technology sharing partnership.

Asked about the group's acquisition plans he said: "Acquisition is a ongoing process for us. Wherever we see opportunity, we look into it seriously."

Hinduja also said the group's flagship firm Ashok Leyland, which has a joint venture with Japan's Nissan for making light commercial vehicles in India, is set to commence production this year.

"We will start manufacturing from June," he said. The two partners had announced three JVs in 2007 for making light commercial vehicles (LCVs), powertrains and developing technology besides setting up of a plant near Chennai, envisaging a total investment of Rs 2,300 crore.

The Hinduja Group is the holding group companies like Ashok Leyland, Gulf Oil Corporation Ltd, IndusInd Bank and others across various sectors.

The Group employs over 40,000 people and has offices in many key cities of the world and all the major cities in India.