News digest: IDFC-Shriram merger called off, Tatas bet on e-buses, and more

From IDFC-Shriram failed merger to Whatsapp's new opening for e-tailers, BS brings you up to speed with latest news

IDFC-Shriram merger called off on differences over swap ratio
IDFC Group and Shriram Group have called off their talks for a merger after failing to agree on a swap ratio. The two parties had, on July 8, entered into a 90-day agreement to evaluate a strategic combination of their relevant financial services. With no finality in sight, the parties had extended talks by a month till early November. Read more
 
After e-car push, Tata Motors set to roll out e-buses, small vehicles
After a head start in electric cars, home-grown automobile major Tata Motors is drawing up aggressive plans to mark its presence in the electric bus and small commercial vehicle segments. The country’s second-largest bus player is conducting trial runs of its two electric bus variants in cities like Shimla, Chandigarh, and Guwahati, and is expected to close sales transactions with a few prospective buyers soon. Read more

 

Bharti Infratel plans to acquire Indus Towers
Bharti Infratel, a subsidiary of Sunil Mittal-led Bharti Airtel, will explore acquiring an additional stake in Indus Towers, the company said on Monday. The deal, when completed, is expected to create India's largest mobile tower company. Read more
 
WhatsApp opens chat with e-tailers
Anything from flight tickets to delivery updates by e-commerce companies would soon land in your WhatsApp inbox, as the American chat major is broadening its focus. What had started as an instant messaging and online chat service on smartphones, mostly for the young, some eight years ago is now turning towards businesses in a big way to monetise the platform. Read more

Aadhaar-demat account linking: Sebi's diktat spooks overseas investors
It is not just domestic investors but also foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) who are grappling with the Securities and Exchange Board of India’s (Sebi’s) diktat mandating linking Aadhaar with “all demat accounts”. Read more