Cholamandalam Finance raises INR 4 billion Tier-II debt

Cholamandalam Finance raises INR 4 billion Tier-II debt from

CDC Group through

10-year Rupee Denominated Masala Bonds

               

Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company Limited (“CIFCL”), one of India’s leading diversified financial services companies, has raised INR 4 billion (c.$57 million) from CDC Group Plc (“CDC”), the United Kingdom’s Development Finance Institution and impact investor through the issuance of unsecured, subordinated, Rupee Denominated Masala Bonds.

This is CIFCL’s maiden Masala Bond issue which may be listed on London Stock Exchange or any other international stock exchanges in future.

Incorporated in 1978, CIFCL offers vehicle finance, business and home loans. It has more than 1,000 branches across India, with a diversified loan portfolio spanning 1.2 million customers.

CIFCL caters to small and medium road transport operators for new and used commercial vehicles with over 50% of the portfolio in low income states. The majority of CIFCL’s customer segment is self-employed borrowers/entrepreneurs and small manufacturers, with nearly one-third of the portfolio constituting first time borrowers, thereby facilitating access to the formal capital market and promoting financial inclusion.

Mr. Arun Alagappan, Managing Director of CIFCL, said “CDC and CIFCL have joined hands to address the business credit requirements of small and medium road transport operators and MSME customers, thereby enabling them ‘Enter a better life’. CDC’s investment in CIFCL’s Masala Bonds will support the extension of loans to driver-turned-owners and micro and small enterprises in underserved rural and semi-urban areas of India. We look forward to working with CDC in promoting the economic and social well-being of our customers.”

Mr. Srini Nagarajan, CDC’s Managing Director and Head of Asia, said “CDC’s commitment to CIFCL demonstrates our value as a Development Financial Institution with long-term patient capital. Our investment will enable CIFCL to extend loans to small vehicle owners and facilitate availability of credit to rural and semi-urban markets and support the Company with subordinated-debt in this tight liquidity environment. CDC has been investing in India for over 30 years and we look forward to the start of a productive long-term relationship with CIFCL and the wider Murugappa Group.”

CDC supports businesses that can make goods and services more affordable and accessible for people in Africa and Asia who really need them. The investment will help generate self-employment opportunities for low to middle-income customers helping to meet the Sustainable Development Goal for decent work. CDC’s commitment to CIFCL contributes to meeting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal for decent work and economic growth.

Ashok Leyland partners with Chola

Ashok Leyland partners with Chola for Vehicle Finance

Ashok Leyland, flagship of the Hinduja Group and one of the largest commercial vehicle manufacturers in India, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company Limited (Chola), for a strategic tie-up on vehicle financing, for a period of two years. This MoU will equip both, Ashok Leyland and Chola, to reach out to a diverse set of customers with customised financial solution. Combined strength of both brands will help reach out to customers in need of financial assistance, across India, where either brand has a presence. Ashok Leyland, is the first manufacturer in India to be ready with the complete range of BS6 vehicles which have been developed specifically for Indian conditions and this tie-up will further help customers to own and derive the benefits of Ashok Leyland’s industry-first and industry leading technologies.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Anuj Kathuria, Chief Operating Officer, Ashok Leyland, said, “We always think customer-first and this tie-up with Chola is yet another step in that direction. With Chola as one of our trusted partners for customised financial solution, our combined pan-India reach will help customers to choose the financial solution they desire. Ashok Leyland products represent differentiated technology with best-in-class total cost of ownership, thereby providing better profitability to our customers. Our tie-up with Chola will further enhance this and thereby also delivering on our brand promise of ‘Aapki Jeet. Hamari Jeet’”.

“We are happy to be partnering with Ashok Leyland, a leading commercial vehicle brand with a culture of innovation and excellence, and a proven track record over the years. Building quality relationships has always been a cornerstone of Chola’s philosophy. Over the last 4 decades, we have been building lasting relationships with our customers and partners by consistently delivering excellent value for both. With our strong network of 1000+ branches across India, we aim to offer the customers a never before experience through customised finance offerings that would come with speedy, convenient and transparent processes. This partnership is also in line with our continuous endeavor in enabling our customers to ‘Enter a Better Life’,” says Mr. Ravindra Kundu, President & Business Head  -  Vehicle Finance, Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company Limited.