The UB group chairman Vijay Mallya told The Financial Express that the proposed listing of the UB group of companies would be completed within the next couple of years. "By listing on the Nasdaq we see good perspective for our liquor companies abroad," he added.

The second domestic company from the UB group that is pinning hopes on listing on a US securities exchange would be the beer division flagship firm UB Ltd. According to Mallya, the group was also ready to offer a 20 per cent equity to a prospective buyer if the group gets a good price. "A couple of foreign firms had approached us for the purpose," he said without naming the prospective buyers.

He said since the group has adequate financial muscles to complete the ongoing expansionplans in the country, the group's main aim was not to raise some funds from abroad. "The listing on Nasdaq will have a positive impact on the shares of McDowell at the domestic bourses," Mallya added.

In the case of McDowell, the focus of the group would be to continue to build world-class brands and upgrade its manufacturing facilities to support growing demand. McDowell is also looking at brand acquisitions for expanding its product portfolio. UB Ltd is in the process of appointing an international consultant to conduct valuation of its leading liquor brands like Kingfisher and McDowell. The company is expecting to complete the valuation of brands during the next fiscal. "We will adopt international standards for conducting the brand valuation which is a complex issue," he added.

The main focus of the group would be in three core areas like beer business, real estate and investments in other companies and fresh ventures. "Though we may offload equity stake in our beer company, the proposed arms forreal estate and investment division will not have a strategic equity partner," Mallya said.

Over the next two years, the group will have three separate companies by demerging UB Ltd. The real estate arm would concentrate on the forthcoming hotel project here for which the group has shortlisted three global hotel developers.

"Currently we are talking to three companies and we are not in a hurry to complete the project soon since many such hotel projects are coming up in the city," Mallya said. Regarding the group's proposed elevated light rail transit system (ELRTS) project in Bangalore, Mallya said the group is set to sign the concession agreement with the Karnataka government soon.

Meanwhile, Mallya on Sunday inaugurated Kingfisher Speed Zone, Bangalore's first go-karting track in Whitefield. The company officials claimed that Kingfisher Speed Zone is the third go-karting track in the country. This entertainment centre would host a cement go-karting track, sports bar and bowling alley under oneumbrella. UB Ltd divisional vice-president (sales and marketing - breweries division) said the customer segment for the centre would be families.

The company is also planning to sponsor go-karting centres in other major cities as well.