New Delhi: Transactions in the share market might be a loosing or winning trade for the investors but broker always makes money out of any transaction. Stock broking may not be a bad business to bet on considering that the stock market is expected to be bullish for a few years. Valuation for Indian broking firms have soared to dizzying levels as the Global financial firms are on the prowl for a foothold in the world’s second-fastest economy. As a result, predators are eyeing smaller broking houses with some semblance of sanity as far as valuations are concerned.
Why global entities prefer to enter Indian shores by acquiring smaller firms?
Starting afresh in an unknown market can be troublesome for them and the scopes for faster growth are couple of the reasons. We tried and spoke to the experts to gain their insights and views.
“By acquiring stake in a smaller firm, overseas financial institutions are looking for greater management control. Compared with bigger broking houses, it is easier to instill the investment philosophy of the acquiring firm into the broking house,” said Protiviti director Ankur Pahwa. Protiviti is an independent risk-consulting firm carved out by former Arthur Anderson employees.
Above all, Mr. Pahwa feels prospective acquirers attach high value to a trading license while looking for an acquisition.
Protiviti India MD Mritunjay Kapur echoes the same, “The global firms are looking for the smaller broking houses largely because of license and the attractive cost on which they get the license, apart from off course the infrastructure.”
A mid sized broking house Emkay Shares & stock brokers are also believed to be in talks to offload stake in the company to a strategic partner.
Emkay’s managing director Krishna Kumar Karwa opined.”We believe the full business potential is yet to be explored, given that the Indian market is the midst of a long bull run. However, we are not averse to this idea if our growth potential is valued appropriately.”
Fortune has risen around 135% since July while Emkay has spiraled roughly 242% during the period against the 35% jump in the S&P Nifty.
Dun & Bradstreet COO Kaushal Sampat said “If a foreign broking broking house picks up stake in a domestic firm, respectability of the Indian firm goes up. An overseas investor on the board increases the credibility factor of the firm,”
Among deals in the domestic industry, Al Anwar Holdings recently acquired 14.99% in Almondz Global Securities Oman’s largest bank, BankMuscat picked up a 43% stake in the Mangal Keshav group. On Wednesday, Switzerland-
