Merchant bankers may be master of ceremonies
Sebi is considering making it mandatory for companies to appoint a merchant banker at the time of making an offer for buyback of shares. The regulator feels that this would give a greater comfort level to the investors and the regulator.

BPL steps up its stake in Kleer Industries to 95%
The BPL group has increased its stake in the US-based Kleer Industries Inc to 95 per cent from the earlier 70 per cent. The balance 5 per cent will remain with employees of Kleer.

Maharashtra plans to set up Rs 500cr agro fund
The Maharashtra government will set up an agro-fund worth Rs 500 crore with equity participation from private sector companies to create proper infrastructure and promote agri-business in the state.

CORPORATE
Maharashtra power board to focus on energy management
SBI Capital Markets to give mergers & acquisitions a leg-up: New chief

ECONOMY
"Indian agro sector needs to get its act together"
Trai, DoT and ministry tangle led to failure of Iridium

EXPRESSIONS
New policy set to make Internet the in-thing
Indo Gulf hive-off plan to aid investors

MARKETS
Banthia rigged Nedungadi Bank scrip, alleges SEBI
IPO deserters inching back to equity funds

LEISURE
Microsoft sees no-conflict with Windows 2000 name
In China, smuggling is a daytime job