Deal activity will gather pace after Budget: Utpal Oza, Nomura India

There is healthy investor appetite for companies with strong fundamentals, unique business model, and a robust corporate governance framework, says Oza

Utpal Oza, head of investment banking, Nomura India, says concerns surrounding economic slowdown and the non-banking financial company (NBFC) liquidity notwithstanding, a revival in corporate fundraising cycle is around the corner. In an interview to Sundar Sethuraman, Oza says there could be an increase in deal activity after the Budget. Edited excerpts:

The first five months of 2019 have not been so great for fundraising through equity markets. What is your outlook for the rest of the year?

The first five months of 2019 was characterised by uncertainties such as the general elections and US-China trade tensions. As