Divestiture

What is Divestiture?

Divestiture refers to the process of a company selling, liquidating, or spinning off a business unit, subsidiary, or asset. Companies do divestments to simplify operations, generate capital, concentrate on main business activities, or follow laws.

Types of Divestitures

1. Sell-Off: A sell-off is the sale of a division or asset by one corporation to another.
2. Spins-Off: A business unit spins off and distributes shares to current owners as it becomes an independent company.
3. Equity Carve-Out: Retaining control, a business sells some of a subsidiary through an IPO.
4. Management Buyout (MBO): The division is sold to its own management group.
5. Liquidation: Liquidation is the selling off of assets upon a unit closure of a firm.

Motives behind Divestiture

• Strategic Focus: Companies may sell non-core assets to concentrate on important areas of company.
• Financial Needs: Getting money to lower debt or make investments in chances for expansion.
• Regulatory Compliance: Governments might call for divestment to stop monopolies.
• Underperformance: Selling less desirable units to strengthen financial situation.

Examples of Divestiture in India

• Government Disinvestment: The Indian government has sold interests in public sector companies as BPCL and Air India.
• Corporate Restructuring: Tata Group sold its telecom division to Bharti Airtel in order of corporate restructure.

Impact of Divestiture For Companies

• Helps improve financial stability and strategic alignment.
• For investors, if done right, can release shareholder value.
• For staff members: may result in reorganization but may present chances for fresh development.