United Spirits to sell Vijay Mallya's properties, shares to reduce debt
Diageo-controlled liquor firm United Spirits Ltd (USL) is looking to reduce its debt by up to Rs 2,000 crore in the next two years through various measures that include sale of shares and properties earlier owned by embattled businessman Vijay Mallya.
"We are looking at a debt reduction of Rs 1,000-2,000 crore in the next two years. On an annualised basis, it would be around Rs 1,000-odd crore," USL chief financial officer Sanjeev Churiwala told analysts in a conference call on Friday.
USL has an outstanding debt of over Rs 4,000 crore as on March 31, 2016.
Churiwala said the company will consider steps, including divesting 13 properties earlier owned by embattled liquor baron Vijay Mallya and sale of USL shares currently under litigation with IDBI Bank.
"Sales of 13 properties would fetch around Rs 500-700 crore," Churiwala said.
Mallya, however, has the first right to buy the properties as a part of the deal he had signed with Diageo in February to exit from USL.
In February Mallya, resigned as chairman of United Spirits Ltd (USL) after a long-drawn battle, after Diageo agreed to pay him USD 75 million, absolving him of any personal liability into financial irregularities being probed by the company and an honorary designation of 'Founder Emeritus -USL' among other things.
USL had entered into an agreement with Mallya which allows him or a party nominated by him to acquire up to 13 domestic properties from USL.
Mallya is currently facing arrest over allegations of defaulting bank loans of over Rs 9,400 crore. India is trying to bring Mallya back in India who left for UK in March.
Get Latest Business News, Stock Market Updates and Videos; Check your tax outgo through Income Tax Calculator and save money through our Personal Finance coverage. Check Business Breaking News Live on Zee Business Twitter and Facebook. Subscribe on YouTube.
RECOMMENDED STORIES
PPF Interest Calculator: Is it possible to get Rs 60,000 income a month through Public Provident Fund? Know its possibility
Compound Return Benefits: Can Rs 4 crore retirement corpus be created with Rs 9.55 lakh one-time investment? Know how it is possible
12:49 PM IST