Srei Infrastructure Finance Ltd will concentrate more on the project financing and project advisory businesses as it leaves the short-term equipment financing one to Srei Infrastructure Development Finance Ltd, a joint venture between Srei Infrastructure Finance Ltd and BNP Paribas Lease Group (BPLG).

While Srei will concentrate on infrastructure project financing, infrastructure advisory, common service center (CSC) and big-ticket equipment financing projects above Rs 15 crore, the joint venture company, which became operational on Wednesday, will be in the retail equipment financing business for small and medium enterprises.

“The joint venture company will also be looking at other opportunities like agriculture, IT, medical equipment. We will move into new areas gradually,” said Hemant Kanoria, vice-chairman & managing director of Srei Infrastructure Finance. “Srei has been focusing on equipment financing in the SME sector, now we will foray into larger retail products,” he said.

Srei has already advised the Uttar Pradesh government on the 1,047-km long eight-lane highway project along the river, Ganges. The company is part of the consortium of advisors that includes agencies like RITES for the Rs 30,000-crore project.

While BPLG has infused Rs 775 crore towards its capital contribution, that of Srei will be Rs 25 crore. BPLG has given Rs 400 crore to Srei for the transfer of business, while its equity will be Rs 110 crore.

Srei has already rolled out 401 CSCs in West Bengal and plans to add another 4,600 very soon. The CSCs will be developed as a platform to enable the government, private and social sector organisations to align their social and commercial goals for the benefit of rural population.