Market roundup

COMPANIES

• HPCL makes maiden discovery of Oil in Cambay exploration block
• MTNL likely to bag Sri Lanka's Suntel
• IFC to invest Rs 300cr in Max Healthcare
• ICICI Bank opens branch at Jhajjar SEZ
• RIL says it has permission to retain entire area of D6 gas block
• Dishman Pharma to acquire Solvay's Dutch fine chemicals unit
• Muthoot Group to launch two 5-star hotels
• Billiton's Orissa SEZ alumina project proposal rejected

• Captive BPOs of MNCs not liable to pay tax in India, rules SC
• India's sugar exports expected to double to 3 million tonnes in 2008
• Raja advises BSNL to drop 3G stipulation; DoT questions Motorola's disqualification

• BSE starts real estate index
• ICICI Bank market cap on BSE is Rs1 trillion

• Strong FII inflows bolster the rupee - up another 2 paise
• Next in line for RBI - transfer of Nabard stake to Govt.
• Stanchart's private banking hub to operate from Chennai
• World Bank ends record lending year for India - to maintain the tempo
• JM Financial to invest Rs40-cr in microfinance organization Spandana
• ICICI Pru opens second representative office abroad - this time in Dubai

• CVC Capital to acquire chemicals distributor Univar for $ 2.7 billion
• Danone to acquire baby food maker Numico for $14.5 billion
• Intel acquires 2.5-per cent stake in software firm VMware
• OECD predicts steady growth for BRICs
• Nissan to enter Russian market with St Petersburg plant