Hardayal Prasad is new MD and CEO of Srei Infra Finance

Mr. Prasad is a seasoned senior banker with over 36 years of experience

Fleet Management and AI!

Asset management helps to maximise the value of equipment over its lifespan by ensuring that it is properly maintained and used efficiently.

Eyeing New Heights

The construction equipment and equipment financing industries experienced a series of highs and lows throughout 2022. As the new financial year starts, both sectors turned their attention to infrastructure as the driving force for future growth.

L&T Finance launches Warehouse Receipt Financing

L&T Finance (LTF), a subsidiary of L&T Finance Holdings and one of the leading non-banking financial companies, has launched Warehouse Receipt Financing (WRF), a first-of-its-kind digitally assisted journey for loan facilities against agri-commodities

L&T Finance launches Warehouse Receipt Financing

Launch of Warehouse Receipt Financing in a digitally-assisted journey for the first time in India

Sany Bharat signs MOU with Union Bank of India

The network of Union Bank will extend equipment finance to customers of Sany Bharat across the country

There is a huge demand for rental equipment throughout the CEQ category

Sandwiched between the price surge and the infrastructure boom, Vishal Sharma, Business Partner, Reach International, talks about the rental equipment scene in the Indian equipment market

There is a huge demand for rental equipment throughout the CEQ category

Sandwiched between the price surge and the infrastructure boom, Vishal Sharma, Business Partner, Reach International, talks about the rental equipment scene in the Indian equipment market

Eyeing new heights

The year 2021 gave numerous ups and downs for the construction equipment and equipment financing industries. When the year comes to an end, the sectors look forth towards infrastructure as the ‘Growth Puller’ for the period ahead.

Sriram of IndusInd Bank: CE finance industry is a competitive marketplace

AG Sriram, Head – Consumer Finance Division, IndusInd Bank, speaks on the current portfolio in relation to construction equipment financing

Counting on diggers

Increasing demand for construction and infrastructure activities is anticipated to augment earthmoving equipment market growth in India over the next few years.

RBI supersedes board of Srei Infra and Srei Equipment Finance

The Reserve Bank of India on October 4 superseded the Board of Directors of Srei Infra and Srei Equipment Finance Limited, owing to governance concerns and defaults by SREI Group Companies.

RBI supersedes board of Srei Infra and Srei Equipment Finance

The central bank of India has appointed Rajneesh Sharma, the former Chief General Manager at Bank of Baroda, as administrator.

Srei receives EoI for $250 mn capital infusion from international PE funds

Srei Equipment Finance (SEFL) said that it has received expression of interest for up to $250 million capital infusion in the company. The international private equity (PE) funds are US-based Arena Investors LP and Singapore's Makara Capital Partners.

Srei receives EoI for capital infusion from Cerberus

The board of directors of Srei Infrastructure Finance and its wholly-owned subsidiary Srei Equipment Finance held meetings announced that it has further received an expression of interest for capital infusion from Cerberus Global Investments.

Srei Equipment receives EoI for $250 mn capital infusion from international PE funds

The international private equity ("PE") funds are US-based Arena Investors LP and Singapore's Makara Capital Partners.

Bounce back

Construction equipment finance has bounced back after the pandemic-forced lull.

Srei forms Strategic Coordination Committee for raising fresh capital

The SCC will coordinate, negotiate and conclude discussions with potential strategic and/or private equity investors, to raise fresh capital for the business in consultation with the management.

EQUIPMENT INDIA Awards 2020

At the 8th Annual Equipment India Awards 2020, hosted virtually, the top performers of Indian construction equipment industry were felicitated for their achievements in the challenging times.

EQUIPMENT INDIA Awards 2020 to be held online

In the prevailing pandemic conditions, The 8th Annual EQUIPMENT INDIA Awards will be held virtually on October 15, 2020

KfW IPEX-Bank offers EUR 10 million loan to Srei Equipment Finance

KfW IPEX-Bank is enabling the export of construction machinery for Srei Equipment Finance (SEFL) to India by providing a framework loan of EUR 10 million.

Financing Challenges

Devendra Kumar Vyas elaborates on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on infrastructure and financing sector and the challenges faced by NBFCs.

Stepping up Skill Development

The Infrastructure Equipment Skill Council is partnering with the key stakeholders in the construction equipment industry and state governments to strengthen the skill development initiatives in the construction equipment sector.

Grading the Future

The current market conditions are tough for motor graders since the projects are not active due to the coronavirus impact.

Srei Equipment Finance, UCO Bank announce strategic alliance

Srei Equipment Finance (Srei Equipment), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Srei Infrastructure Finance (Srei), and UCO Bank, one of India's premier public sector banks, announced a strategic alliance to offer joint loans for purchase of construction and mining, farm and medical equipment under a co-lending arrangement.

Srei Equipment Finance, UCO Bank to co-lend through iQuippo platform

Srei Equipment Finance (Srei Equipment), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Srei Infrastructure Finance (Srei), and UCO Bank, one of India?s premier public sector banks, announced a strategic alliance to offer joint loans for purchase of construction and mining, farm and medical equipment under a co-lending arrangement.

iQuippo launches upgraded financial portal

iQuippo, India?s first digital marketplace for infrastructure equipment, launched its upgraded financing portal (www.iquippo.com) and became the first digital platform in the country to digitise the co-lending programmes of banks and NBFCs.

Co-lending and leasing becomes the key tool this year

Srei Equipment Finance offers innovative financing solutions to equipment purchasers, even those new to the Indian equipment financing market.

EQUIPMENT INDIA AWARDS 2019

The 7th Annual Equipment India Awards 2019 recognised and rewarded the top performers of Indian construction equipment industry.

Srei Equipment, United Bank to jointly offer loans

Srei Equipment Finance (Srei Equipment), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Srei Infrastructure Finance (Srei), partnered United Bank of India to jointly offer loans to MSME sector and retail customers under a co-lending arrangement.

Doosan Bobcat India hosts financiers meet

The compact construction equipment sales is gaining momentum in the Indian context and therefore the easy availability of financing options for customers is inevitable.

Doosan Bobcat India hosts financiers meet

Doosan Bobcat India (DBIN) organised a financier meet at its manufacturing facility in Chennai.

iQuippo organises Paison Ki Nilami

Commenting on this occasion, Anant Raj Kanoria, CEO, iQuippo, said, ?We have noticed that in the market customers always want to negotiate pricing and interest rates and we through our platform want to digitise and make this process transparent

Srei to continue its focus on equipment finance

Srei Infrastructure Finance and its wholly-owned subsidiary Srei Equipment Finance has consolidated the lending business of Srei Infrastructure Finance and Srei Equipment Finance into one entity since the focus for last four years has been on growing equipment financing and reducing the infrastructure loan portfolio.

Srei, Oriental Bank of Commerce sign pact

Srei Equipment Finance and Oriental Bank of Commerce announced a strategic alliance to offer loans for purchase of equipment under a co-lending arrangement. iQuippo, a Kanoria Foundation initiative, will facilitate sourcing of loans under this program.

On Sustainable Growth

Devendra Kumar Vyas, Managing Director, Srei Equipment Finance, elaborates on the key factors that drive the growth and the emerging market trends in equipment finance.

REJIG for the big

Need for better infrastructure is always the top priority of any country. India is no different as the quest for superior infrastructure continues with many large-scale projects coming up.

Srei Equipment Finance and Bank of Baroda in strategic alliance

Srei Equipment Finance (SEFL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Srei Infrastructure Finance (Srei), and Bank of Baroda, India?s second largest public sector bank, announced a strategic alliance to offer joint loans for infrastructure equipment under a co-lending arrangement.

Srei to augment infra and equipment finance businesses

Srei Infrastructure Finance announced its decision to augment the capital of both its infrastructure finance and equipment finance businesses, which will facilitate the businesses in maintaining and strengthening their current leadership positions further.

Reaching out to infra needs

Government's high spending on infrastructure projects drives the demand for construction equipment while earthmoving equipment being the largest used equipment category leads the growth.

CE finance outlook

Financing accounts for approximately 80-85 per cent of the total equipment purchased. In the case of overseas purchases, it accounts for approximately 90 per cent.

Srei Equipment Finance to offer new financing solutions

Srei Equipment Finance will have a big presence at the bauma CONEXPO INDIA 2018 with its stall (O.F35) of about 2,315 sq ft in outdoor pavilion.

Equipment Pulse

With the construction equipment market is on a growth path, Equipment India explores the market scenario of construction equipment and allied products and services.

Equipment finance sector to grow at 19 per cent CAGR

We are the leading financiers in the construction, mining, and allied equipment (CME) sector in India for fiscal 2017 (Source: Feedback Analysis). This sector primarily consists of equipment used for earthmoving and mining, concreting, road building, material handling, material processing and allied activities.

Growth in equipment finance market to continue

There has been a substantial upswing in sales of construction equipment during the last two years, mainly driven by commissioning of major infrastructure projects by the government in roads and other sectors.

On growth Track

The upswing in construction equipment market in the last two years has created new opportunities for equipment finance market. Leading finance players are keen on the growing trend of the infrastructure market in India that has helped the construction equipment market for a turnaround after a rough patch till 2016.

Every third piece of equipment is financed by us

Overall, we see growth coming from earthmoving, road, and material handling equipment categories. More than 60 per cent of the equipment comprises earthmoving equipment (backhoe loaders, hydraulic excavators, wheel loader, etc).

We will have our biggest presence in Excon this year

The construction equipment (CE) segment has already been riding a massive infrastructure push by the government. The CE market grew by around 32 per cent in 2016-17 (unit sales).

Srei Equipment Finance plans Rs 2,000-crore IPO

Srei Equipment Finance Ltd is planning to raise Rs 1,800-2,000 crore through initial public offering (IPO) of 25 per cent of the company?s shares. The proceeds from the IPO which is expected to be launched in February-March 2018, would be used to fund growth.

Equipment Finance Sets to Outperform

Construction equipment market in India has evolved and become a major one in the global market place. With the evolution of the market, awareness about the various equipment class and their use, and above all, the construction and infrastructure development activities picking up momentum, the equipment finance market has opened up to all equipment categories.

Will CE cross 'Mount 52,500'?

Will CE cross its previous peak of 52,500 units achieved in 2011 this year, despite the additional burden caused by GST? The majority feels that the peak is within reach.

Equipment India awards & ceo forum 2017

It was 6.15 p.m. with 15 minutes more to go for the mega event of the infrastructure equipment industry. Meanwhile, the Viceroy Hall at the heritage Claridges Hotel located in New Delhi's famed Lutyen's Zone was already filled to capacity.

Equipment India Awards 2017 and CEO Forum

The evening of April 21, 2017, was a proud occasion for Equipment India as the industry stakeholders gathered in large numbers at New Delhi's heritage Claridges Hotel, to celebrate the 4th Annual Equipment India Awards and be part of the high-level discussion at the CEO Forum.

Bauma is an important platform for the industry

Basis various industry reports, In FY16, the disbursement in the construction equipment financing (CEF) industry was Rs 243 billion, down about 5 per cent from Rs 255 billion in FY15. However, In FY17, the CEF industry is expected to have a turnaround and grow about +5 per cent (from -5 per cent in FY 16) and grow about 15 per cent in FY18.

Srei Q1 net more than doubles

Srei Infrastructure Finance Ltd?s consolidated net profit more than doubled to Rs 51.57 crore during the April-June quarter (Q1) compared to a net profit of Rs 23.32 crore

Srei Q1 net more than doubles to Rs 51 crore

Srei Infrastructure Finance Ltd's consolidated net profit more than doubled to Rs 51.57 crore during the April-June quarter (Q1) compared to a net profit of Rs 23.32 crore posted during the same quarter last year

Expectations Post Monsoons

Slowdown in construction activities, all around the country, is a predictable annual feature. It is time for the industry to recharge its batteries, rejuvenate equipment fleets, invest in skill development and be ready to meet the frenzy post monsoons.

Brexit?s Impact on India

Brexit as an event will impact the future of the UK and EU. This victory for exit, however narrow, came as a surprise as pre-voting polls predicted the results to be otherwise. The next step is to ratify the Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty. But before the treaty there are a lot of issues which need to be worked out.

Backhoe Loaders Get a Rural Boost

Gone were the days when the backhoe loader market was exploding in all facets of India?s infrastructure development. All recognised suppliers were registering negative to flat trajectory growth since FY 2011.

3rd Annual Equipment India Awards & CEO FORUM

The evening of March 16, 2016 was a matter of pride for EQUIPMENT INDIA as a large number of stakeholders from the construction equipment (CE) community gathered at the Commission Hall of FICCI Delhi to celebrate, in letter and spirit, the 3rd Annual Equipment India Awards.

Used excavator market has a huge potential worldwide

Based on revenues, earth moving holds the largest share in the construction equipment industry (62.1 per cent). Major market Players in excavator market are CAT, L&T Komatsu and Tata Hitachi.

Srei generates biz worth Rs 500 cr from Excon

Srei Equipment Finance expects its business from the recently concluded Excon 2015 to cross Rs 500 crore

Srei BNP Paribas Q2 net rises

Srei BNP Paribas recorded a 20.8 per cent increase in net profit at Rs 27.62 crore for the second quarter of this fiscal, compared to Rs 22.85 crore

CE Industry Buoyant at EXCON 2015

CII and ICEMA jointly showcased the CE industry at EXCON 2015, the 8th International Construction Equipment and Construction Technology Trade Fair, from 25-29 November 2015, at the BIEC grounds in Bengaluru

Is the money flowing again?

Tricky times call for strong strategies but the long term prospects are bright for financiers with staying capacity, finds Charu Bahri. Demand for construction equipment finance has been down for the last few years.

Used excavator market has a huge potential worldwide

Based on revenues, earth moving holds the largest share in the construction equipment industry (62.1 per cent). Major market Players in excavator market are CAT, L&T Komatsu and Tata Hitachi.

Tata Motors Finance for used equipment finance

Tata Motors Finance is venturing into financing of used trucks and construction equipment.

Navin Group is the oldest active dealership of CE industry in MP

Being involved in the business of construction equipment for the past 27 years, Navin Group still maintains a track record of excellent customer service and a healthy market share of satisfied customers

Walking the Talk

The promises of ?Acche Din?coupled with the the ?Big Bang? expectations from the FY16 Union Budget, are more to do with the government walking the talk and bringing in continuous reforms which positively impact the financial and economic landscape.

Dedicated infra financing vehicles are need of the hour

Eight months in office, the Central Government has done well to improve the business sentiment. Several measures aimed at easing the way of doing business have been taken. Things have started looking up for the infrastructure sector too.

Credit demand may pick up in the second half of FY 2015-16

In July 2014, the current government presented its first budget which was predominantly growth-oriented. The announcements made in the budget represented measures to tame inflation and provide a boost to investments in manufacturing and infrastructure sector.

Light at the End of the Tunnel

The slowdown in infrastructure development, a major driver for the construction equipment industry, had resulted in reduced demand in recent years. However, with a new stable government in place, infrastructure development is expected to be back on the fast track soon.

The Customer is King!

The takeaway was simple. Every Equipment India (EI) Award winner had one person to thank above all: the customer. Dedicating the Equipment India Person of the Year award to over 1,500 employees, over 8,000 customers,

Movers & shakers

Excavators Ready to Ride the Slump

Within the Indian construction equipment industry, the crawler excavator segment is the largest by value and the second largest, after backhoe loaders, in terms of number of units sold. Now, the shrinking market and intense competition have forced OEMs to focus more on value additions. Concepts like low lifecycle cost, faster ROIs, lowest cost per tonne all have made it imperative for OEMs to innovate, both on the product design and service fronts. Agith G Antony takes a peek at the prevailing t

ICE financiers and OEMs need to work together in intensifying the dialogue with the government

The growth of the infrastructure and construction equipment (ICE) industry in India is still at a nascent stage. The industry is currently at about $4 billion with volumes in the vicinity of 80,000 units per annum in the organised market.

The demand for crawler excavators will reach 23,000 units by 2017

In view of the government's resolve to contain the fiscal deficit within the planned target, it will be difficult to spend heavily on infrastructure at the moment; however, the situation is expected to improve after the 2014 elections

Getting ready for the upturn

In spite of the unfavourable market dynamics, most of the OEMs have adopted innovative strategies to sustain themselves while keeping an eye on the coming boom. Innovative strategies are developed to retain existing customers

Srei BNP Paribas raises benchmark rate

The leading infrastructure and construction equipment finance firm Srei BNP Paribas has announced a hike in its benchmark rate by 25 basis points, from 17.75 per cent to 18 per cent, with immediate effect.

We are positive about the near future

There will always be competition regarding rates and credit. Then again, how effectively you will be clear and open to the customer in understanding his needs and matching it with your schemes are key components,

GE Capital support for rentals sector

GE Capital, Equipment Finance is expanding its financing programme for dealers to purchase construction equipment for use in their rental fleets. About half of the US dealers offer rentals in addition to sales, a figure that's expected to grow in 2014 and beyond. According to the American Rental Association's Rental Market Monitor service, the construction and industrial segment of the rental industry will grow 9.1 per cent to $24.4 billion in 2014.

SEFC to raise `200 crore

Shriram Equipment Finance Company (SEFC) is planning to raise about Rs 150-200 crore from private equity (PE) investors and rope in strategic investors. Umesh Revankar, Managing Director of Shriram Transport Finance, said the company is expected to grow at a compounded annual rate of 15 per cent.

We work very closely with manufacturers.

We have tied up with manufacturers to come up with innovative schemes whereby maximum benefits can be passed on to the customer and we can bring the momentum back into the industry, says GC Rangan, Chief Operating Officer, L&T Finance. Excerpts from the interview.

Equipment finance cos optimistic

As with any product that requires a large one-time capital expense, financing is a good way for the construction equipment industry to spark demand and acquire new customers. In 2011, India?s earthmoving and construction equipment (ECE) financing industry was valued at Rs 23,000 crore according to the report titled `Roadmap for Realising ECE Industry?s Long Term Potential` released at Excon 2013.

SEFC to double disbursements

Shriram Equipment Finance Co (SEFC) has chalked out aggressive growth plans for this fiscal. SEFC, which commenced its operations in October 2011 in the construction equipment finance space, aims to double its disbursements across all states in the country in next 3-6 months. SEFC has already attained a book size of over Rs 3,400 crore and is one of the largest and most profitable NBFC in this segment.

Equipment Finance Companies are Optimistic on Sales Growth

Bangalore, 23 November 2013: As with any product that requires a large one-time capital expense, financing is a good way for the construction equipment industry to spark demand and acquire new customers. In 2011, India?s earthmoving and construction equipment (ECE) financing industry was valued at Rs.23,000 crore according to the report on ?Roadmap for Realising ECE Industry?s Long Term Potential? released at CII EXCON 2013 - South Asia?s Biggest Construction Equipment Event.

Staying close to our customers is our priority.

We have a very strong research and development team that is striving to provide break?through technologies on our equipment. Our focus is now on providing solutions to our customers to keep the operating costs at the minimum level. I will consider this as our value for money proposition in hard times, says Viraj Parthi, India Country Leader

Stalled but Hopeful

In spite of the present slowdown and resultant sluggishness in the CE market, the long- term growth prospects are still intact; and experts view the huge infrastructure deficit as a major growth driver and prudent steps from the government can bring India back on the growth trajectory.

We have positioned ourselves as a true infrastructure partner rather than a lender

More projects, faster enviro?nm?ent and forest clearances, support in land acquisition and a general clarity in policy are the key. Any infrastructure project takes time and stability of policy is a must to ensure that investment flows, says DK Vyas, CEO, Srei BNP Paribas.

We at Shriram treat FTUs as niche and are focused on supporting small customers.

All bottlenecks on the project execution side, i.e., environmental, land clearances, financial closures, allocation of funds, and awarding of contracts need to be tackled on an immediate basis, or else the industry will see a major down-turn and many good operators will exit the segment, says Rakesh Chandra, Vice President and Risk Head, Shriram Equipment Finance Company. Excerpts from the interview.

Navigating through turbulent times

Overall slowdown in demand for new equipment, absence of new channels for the deployment of equipment compared to the overall availability, plummeting value of currency, lack of clarity on private coal blocks, highly depressed rental rates - all seems to have had its negative impact on the equipment finance segment.

SEFC has already attained the most prominent position in the CE finance space

We have drawn a three-year plan and in the first tranche, we are well on track. The next three years will be a mixed bag of challenges and opportunities and we will capitalise on the same and consolidate our position to be one of the largest NBFCs in this segment, says Akshaya Nayak, Head Administration and Legal, SEFC.

Making It Happen

Shriram Equipment Finance Company caters to every possible segment, contributing significantly to the infrastructure development in the country.

Demand for equipment lease rises

Some industry players feel that the demand for equipment leases has risen significantly over the last 60 days. However, they are not sure whether the demand is a seasonal factor or an indicator of an improving economy. According to a survey by The Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation, overall, confidence in the equipment finance market rose to 57.3 in June from the May index of 56.7

The Budget's impact

Industry captains analyse the Budget's implications on the CE sector. According to Vipin Sondhi, Managing Director & CEO, JCB India, the Finance Minister has rolled out a well-balanced and realistic Budget.

Signalling a return to growth

More than 28,000 visitors, over 710 exhibitors, out of which 61 per cent of the exhibitors were international, which is a strong indication of the global interest for the Indian market.

Driving innovation

The Fifth Annual Equipment India Conference 2013 focussed on innovative equipment and solutions and how OEMs are becoming more innovative due to changing user pattern of machines.

Financing CE sector

Shriram Equipment Finance offers a variety of financial products to conclusively meet the requirement of all customers and manufacturers/dealers in the construction equipment industry.

India is a strategic market for Sandvik Mining

Sandvik Mining is a leading global supplier of equipment and tools, service and technical solution for the mining industry. At Sandvik Mining, our entire focus and strategy revolves around safety, productivity and reliability, says Soumitra Banerjee, President, Sandvik Mining, India.

Equipment finance to pick up

According to a top official from Magma Fincorp, the commercial vehicle and equipment finance segments are expected to grow in the second half of the next financial year (FY14) on the back of economic recovery. V Lakshmi Narasimhan, Chief Financial Officer, Magma Fincorp, said that it will have tangible impact on commercial vehicle and equipment finance segments. He also added that the growth in commercial vehicle finance and equipment finance were subdued across the sector due to the sluggish gr