Tata set to take control of National-Standard Duncan
Mumbai: The Tata group is planning to take over the GP Goenka-controlled National-Standard Duncan as a part of its strategy of consolidating its stakes in the speciality steel product segment. The discussions between the two groups are at an advanced stage and the buy-out deal is to be finalised soon.

The proposed acquisition will be through Tata SSL (an associate group of flagship Tata Steel.

Following the take over of the ailing National-Standard Duncan , Tata SSL hope to consolidate its position in the steel wires business, where it is already one of the largest players.
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Amway to start two-tier marketing strategy
Calcutta: Amway India, the wholly-owned subsidiary of Michigan-based Amway Corporation has decided to build a few separate brands for its product lines in India, the first time ever in any country.

In a two-tier marketing strategy, the company will now categorise two distinct brand segments for the Indian market. The premium line will be associated with the Amway brand, whereas the other line of Indian brands will be positioned in the upper end of the mass market Mr. William S Pinckney, managing director and CEO has stated.

Amway, which recently introduced the `Persona’ brand, also plans to launch a couple of similar brands catering wholly to the Indian market. The company also plans to launch its global premium cosmetic brand `Artistry’ under the Amway umbrella shortly. The new brand launches will however ensure high quality and would be priced competitively Mr. Pinckney has said.

The direct selling company has targeted doubling its turnover to Rs 500 crore in the current year. Amway India had a turnover of Rs 250 crore last year.
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JM Morgan Stanley Direct launched
Calcutta: JM Morgan Stanley Direct, the retail financial services brand of JM Morgan Stanley Retail Services has been was formally launched in India. The retailing entity will bring to individual investors and corporates a complete range of products from the capital markets, Mr. Raju Panjwani, managing director (India operations) has stated.

The JMMS will make accessible to retail investors a spread of flexible and rewarding investment products that have hitherto been available mainly to large investors.

Mr. Panjwani has said that new services were uniquely positioned with the group’s global expertise in investment banking and in the institutional securities business. Initially JMMS services will initially cover eight cities.
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Titan launches Fastrack range watches for women
Bangalore: Titan Industries has launched its Fastrack range of watches for women. The company had earlier introduced the men’s range under the same brand name. The ladies watches are available in different finishes — frosted, polished and satin and come in varied geometric shapes with trendy leather straps and classy metal bracelets.

The watches will retail from Rs 995 to Rs 1,950. The watches designed at Titan’s creative studio is the outcome of research that has highlighted the need for a watch that is fashionable, bold, unconventional and designed to accessories western wear.

The Fastrack in the men’s range range has already sold over 2.50 lakh pieces so far. The new Fastrack Fashion range for women is the company’s first exclusive offering for women in this segment.

Titan has so far produced over 38 million watches and is ranked as the sixth largest "manufactured brand" in the world.
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Blue Star to divest 29% stake in Yokogawa JV
Mumbai: In an effort to focus itself in the air conditioner segment, Blue Star is planning to divest its 29 per cent stake in joint venture company — Yokogawa Blue Star — to its Japanese principal - Yokogawa Electric Corporation. The Yokogawa, which holds 40 per cent in the joint venture, has expressed its willingness to increase its stake and Blue Star would exit from the process control company.

Yokogawa Blue Star, a process control company, has carved out a niche for itself in key areas like industrial automation, industrial auto products, test and measurement, domestic services and export.
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