VCCircle

--Alstom, the French engineering group, is selling its motor and meter business in India. The division, which generates about Rs 150-200 crore, is part of Alstom Industrial Products. The company is believed to have mandated an unnamed investment bank to get a buyer. The global companies like Emerson, Regal-Beloit and Siemens, besides Indian companies like Crompton Greaves and Havell’s are said to be in the race. The Economic Times has more details.

--Aranca, a four-year-old analytics firm, is looking at various strategic options such as coopting a strategic investor who can add value to the business. According to Business Standard, Wipro Technologies could be one of the companies Aranca talking to. The company, started by ex-Infoscion Hemendra Aran, currently employs 150 people. It is in the space of offshoring investment, business and economic research services to India.

--JK Industries Ltd, the leading tyre manufacturer, said that it has plans to grow inorganically. "Several initiatives are on anvil for further organic and inorganic growth, which should result in improved profitability," company Chairman Hari Shankar Singhania informed its shareholders.

--Zydus Cadila, the Ahmedabad-based pharmaceutical company, is looking at a partnership or a stake buy in Japan. The company recently got certification from Japan’s health ministry. It has earmarked $25 million for its expansion plans in Japan. It hopes to finalise the deal before the end of the calendar year.

--Jay Retailing and Merchandising Pvt Ltd, promoters of The Loot chain of retail stores in the country, is planning to go public in 2009, reports Business Standard. The company plans to run over 25 stores across India and garner a turnover of Rs 100 crore (Rs 1 billion) by that time. The company opened its first Loot store here recently.

(This thread will be updated throughout the day).