BLS International Acquires 100% Stake in Citizenship Invest

Key Takeaways from BLS Internationals Acquisition of Citizenship Invest:

• BLS International Services Limited completed the acquisition of a 100% stake in Dubai-based Citizenship Invest for USD 31 million.
• The deal was conducted through BLS’s arm, BLS International FZE at a value of USD 31 Mln.
•  The acquisition strengthens BLS's offerings in visa and consular services, particularly in long-term citizenship and residency solutions, while aiming to expand its global presence.

The deal, conducted through BLS’s wholly-owned subsidiary, BLS International FZE, was valued at USD 31 million (approximately Rs 260 crore) and was fully funded through internal resources.

This acquisition is expected to enhance BLS’s portfolio in visa and consular services, particularly in long-term citizenship and residency solutions. 

Commenting on the acquisition, Shikhar Aggarwal, Joint Managing Director of BLS International Services Limited, said "Leveraging BLS’s global network spanning 66+ countries, we plan to accelerate CitizenshipInvest’s growth by focusing on regions with a high concentration of HNWIs. This strategy will enable us to tap into new markets, enhance Citizenship Invest’s global footprint, andpositionBLS as a comprehensive solution provider for visa, consular, citizenship, and residency services."

About BLS International Services Limited:

BLS International Services Ltd. is a reputable global tech-enabled service provider, recognized for its excellence in visa, passport, consular, citizen, e-governance, attestation, biometric, e-visa, and retail services since 2005. The company has earned accolades such as “India’s Most Valuable Companies” from Business Today, “Best under a Billion” from Forbes Asia, and a spot in “Fortune India’s Next 500.” Collaborating with over 46 client governments, including diplomatic missions and embassies, BLS employs advanced technology and secure processes. With a vast network of over 50,000 centers worldwide and more than 60,000+  employees and associates, BLS has processed over 232 million applications to date and is certified for various quality standards.

Key Takeaways from the Approval

• SEBI permitted the co-sponsorship of a mutual fund to Jio Financial Services and BlackRock.
• Both companies will have to comply with the SEBI requirements, only after which will they receive the final approval.
• This development follows a joint application made in 2023, reflecting both companies' commitment to expand into the mutual fund space.

The final registration approval from SEBI is pending and will be subject to the fulfilment of certain requirements specified in SEBI's letter. The approval follows a joint application submitted by Jio Financial and BlackRock on October 19, 2023, and is part of their strategy to enter the financial services sector through mutual fund offerings.

About Jio Financial Services Limited (JFSL)

Jio Financial Services Limited (JFSL), originally incorporated as Reliance Strategic Investments Private Limited in July 1999 under the Companies Act 1956, was officially renamed and incorporated as JFSL in July 2023. Registered with the RBI as a Non-Banking Financial Company—Non-Deposit Taking Systemically Important (NBFC-ND-SI) entity, JFSL operates as a holding company. Its financial services are delivered through its subsidiaries, including Jio Finance Limited (JFL), Jio Insurance Broking Limited (JIBL), Jio Payment Solutions Limited (JPSL), and its joint venture, Jio Payments Bank Limited (JPBL).

About Blackrock Icn.

BlackRock, Inc. is an American multinational investment management company. Established in 1988, initially the company specialised in risk management and fixed income; it has been the largest asset manager around the world by AUM; as of Dec. 31, 2023, BlackRock had approximately $10 trillion in assets under management. BlackRock is headquartered in New York City, operating 78 offices in 38 countries to serve over 100 countries' clients.

It is best known for its management of the iShares group of exchange-traded funds and ranks as one of the "Big Three" index fund managers along with The Vanguard Group and State Street. Its proprietary Aladdin software is quite widely used for managing investment portfolios and financial risk analysis.

Key Takeaways from the Share Surge

• A subsidiary of Antony Waste Handling Cell Limited, AG Enviro Infra Projects Private Limited, secured a ₹908 crore contract from Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) for Door-to-Door Collection and Transportation (C&T) of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW).
• Post this announcement, the share price of the company surged by 5%
• Antony Waste has had a successful 15-year partnership with NMMC, contributing to the city’s top ranking in the Swachh Bharat category.

As per the stock exchange filing, the contract is worth approximately ₹908 crore for the door-to-door collection and transportation of municipal solid waste (MSW) by the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC). The term of the contract is for a period of 9 years.

This contract marks a significant milestone in AWHCL's ongoing partnership with NMMC, which has spanned over 15 years. The collaboration aims to enhance waste management services in Navi Mumbai, contributing to the city’s cleanliness and sustainability goals.

About Antony Waste Handling Cell Limited

Antony Waste Handling Cell Limited is a leading municipal solid waste management services provider in India. It has a ubiquitous presence, offering comprehensive services under one umbrella: solid waste collection, transportation, processing, and disposal. AWHCL has remained operational for more than two decades and is recognised as a pioneer in this field, with the largest single-location waste processing plant in Asia, located at Kanjurmarg, Mumbai.

Key Takeaways from the Announcement

• TARC Limited achieved ₹1,012 crore in presales for Q2 FY2025, a 900% year-on-year growth.
• The company successfully launched TARC Ishva, a luxury development in Gurugram
• The company remains focused on expanding its portfolio in high-demand areas and plans future luxury real estate launches.

In the first half of FY2025, TARC Limited reported total presales of ₹1,322 crore, reflecting an extraordinary year-on-year growth of 600%. This significant achievement highlights the company's strategic positioning and commitment to delivering high-quality developments in the luxury segment.

In Q2 FY2025, TARC Limited launched TARC Ishva, a luxury development in Sector 63A, Gurugram, located on the extended Golf Course Road. This launch reaffirms TARC's commitment to providing elegant living spaces and strengthens its position as a leader in the luxury real estate market. Additionally, TARC successfully refinanced ₹1,000 crore of debt at a competitive 12.75% interest rate, enhancing its financial flexibility and capacity to invest in future projects. These achievements highlight the company's robust financial management and dedication to delivering high-quality developments.

With strong presale performance and effective management of financial obligations, TARC Limited is well-equipped to navigate the evolving market landscape. The company remains focused on delivering high-quality developments that meet customer needs while maximising value for stakeholders. Additionally, TARC is committed to expanding its portfolio in high-demand areas of Delhi and Gurugram and is preparing for exciting new launches in the near future.

Amar Sarin, MD & CEO of TARC Limited, expressed enthusiasm about the company’s performance and the positive response to TARC Ishva. He noted that TARC has established itself as a strong luxury residential brand, as evidenced by presales and positive feedback for developments such as Tripundra, Kailasa, and Ishva. Sarin also acknowledged Bain Capital for their support and looks forward to future collaborations with new financial partners.

This strong operational performance positions TARC Limited favourably in the competitive luxury real estate market as it continues to deliver exceptional value to its customers and stakeholders.

About TARC Limited

TARC Limited (NSE: TARC, BSE: 543249) is a leading luxury real estate developer based in New Delhi. Focused on creating high-quality residential projects in New Delhi and Gurugram, the company is known for delivering exceptional living experiences. TARC is dedicated to redefining urban living with top-tier developments that blend luxury, quality, and innovation. With a strong portfolio of prime land and strategic financial partnerships, TARC continues to strengthen its position as a key player in the luxury real estate sector.