Government Dropping 100% Disinvestment of RINL VSP
Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited, India's state-owned steelmaker, is reportedly seeking interest from domestic and international partners to form joint ventures under two separate business models to help it expand its production capacity, enhance its competitiveness and create value for its stakeholders. This move is in contrast to the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs' (CCEA) January 2021 approval for 100% strategic disinvestment of the Government of India's shareholding in RINL, along with management control by way of privatization.
RINL had previously featured on the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) for 100% disinvestment, and shortlisted potential bidders, including Adani Group, ArcelorMittal, and Tata Steel, in June 2022. However, the government subsequently announced in September 2022 that the sale of RINL is on hold for the time being due to ongoing protests and opposition.
Interested parties can submit their expressions of interest, and a pre-bid conference will be held soon to provide further information on the proposed joint ventures, adds Steel Orbis RINL, with April 15, 2023, as the last date for submission of responses from prospective partners.
Under the first model, RINL is seeking a strategic partner to establish a new Greenfield steel plant with an annual production capacity of 5 million metric tons. The company is offering a stake of up to 49% to the partner, who would be responsible for investing in the project and providing technology and expertise.
In the second model, RINL is looking for existing steel industry partners to jointly operate its existing steel plant in Visakhapatnam, with a capacity of 7.3 million metric tons per year. Here, RINL would hold a majority stake, and the partner would take up to a 49% stake.
Report adds “RINL aims to increase its production capacity to 20 million metric tons by 2025, and these partnerships will play a significant role in achieving this target. By joining hands with domestic and international partners, RINL will be able to leverage their expertise, gain access to new markets, and bring in fresh investment.”
RINL operates 7.3 million metric tons per year capacity steel mill at the southern port town of Vishakhapatnam with rebars, wire rods, blooms, round structural, billets and pig iron in its product portfolio.