Mallya awaits report to set Deccan's course

The Accenture report on the Kingfisher-Deccan combine, expected on December 19, would decide the way forward for the management structure and operational synergies of the combine, Kingfisher Chairman Vijay Mallya said today.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the India Economic Summit, organised by CII today, Mallya said, "We are waiting for the report on the operational synergies, management structure and network rationalisation. Based on that report we will go forward."

Recently, Kingfisher appointed consultancy firm Accenture to study the entire structure of the Kingfisher-Deccan combine. The report will look into whether Deccan can become a complete subsidiary of Kingfisher.

Mallya's United Breweries Holdings bought 26 per cent stake in Deccan for Rs 550 crore on May 31 and then purchased an additional 20 per cent as per the norms of the Securities Exchange Board of India (Sebi).

Speaking about Kingfisher-Deccan's international operations, Mallya said that they would take another look at their funding before going international. "Based on the position which we are in right now, we will revisit our funding operations after we get the Accenture report," said Mallya.

Mallya who has applied for several international destinations, including the US and UK apart from Southeast Asia and the Gulf, has claimed that they would use Air Deccan's licence to fly international destinations.

Unlike Kingfisher, Deccan will complete five years of domestic operations in March 2008 and will become eligible for international operations.