Srei Equipment Finance will convert itself into a public limited firm as it will help the construction equipment finance firm tap funds from retail investors, said DK Vyas, Chief Executive Officer, Srei Equipment Finance. Converting into a public com?pany will help the firm to tap sources like non-convertible debentures, and corporate bonds which will widen its funding base, according to Vyas.

BNP Paribas SA holds a 50 per cent stake in the company and an equal amount is with Kolkata-based Srei Infrastructure Finance. The company?s promoters in?ve?sted Rs 100 crore each in the company to take its net worth to Rs 1,660 crore. This is in addition to Rs 50 crore each invested last year. The firm expects its growth to slow to 10-15 per cent in 2012-13 from 30 per cent last year, owing to mining sector issues, Vyas said.