Voices

"India's rating could be lowered further if current negative fiscal and debt trends continue.'' -- Comment by Standard & Poor's.

"Reliance itself has developed significant management capabilities...In this context, the divestment of stake in L&T is in consonance with our objective of unlocking value from our investments.'' -- Mr Anil D. Ambani, Managing Director, Reliance Industries.

"The acquisition of stake in L & T is a strategic investment in what is India's premier infrastructure company.'' -- Mr Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman, Grasim Industries.

"We will expand its capacity beyond the targeted level of 1.5 million vehicles by the end of 2001-02.'' -- Mr Ravi Sud, Vice President (Finance), Hero Honda.

"Yahoo will move to achieve more of a 50:50 balance between revenues from advertisement and fees on business and consumer services.'' -- Mr Terry Semel. CEO, Yahoo.

"The global market for powerful server computers contracted by 23.4 per cent in the third quarter... and IBM widened its lead over its competitors.'' -- Comment by Gartner Dataquest Research.

"The pressure to lower prices of medicines is a major risk and is threatening to lower the profitability of pharmaceutical companies.'' -- Mr Daniel Vasella, CEO, Novartis.

"The restructuring will clarify that ownership of BILT shares rests with one person. This will help BILT shares realise their true value.'' -- Mr Gautam Thapar, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Ballarpur Industries.

"HLL has been experimenting using donkeys, camels and bullock carts to send water to areas not easily accessible. The intention is to cater to a family's needs.'' -- Mr Franklyn d'Souza, General Secretary, All India HLL Employees Federation.

"Borrowing to finance the payment (of Rs 766.5 crore for stake in L&T) to Reliance is very marginal and of the short term.'' -- Mr Sourav Mishra, Director (Cement & Telecom) Aditya Birla group.

"FI s would ensure that interests of stakeholders in L&T is not affected by the transfer of stake from Reliance to Grasim.'' -- Mr G. N. Bajpai, Chairman, Life Insurance Corporation.