Persistent Systems to raise up to ₹8,000 crore via bonds

Persistent Systems plans to raise up to ₹8,000 crore through the issuance of rupee-denominated bonds with maturities ranging from one to five years, according to two merchant bankers. The company intends to sell bonds maturing in different durations, likely to be launched later this month. The funds raised will be utilized for refinancing a bridge loan used to acquire Nagarro, a German-based technology services company, which Persistent Systems acquired a 94% stake in earlier.

ICRA has rated Persistent Systems' bonds with an AA-plus rating. To complete the acquisition of 100% of Nagarro, the company requires approximately $1.25 billion in total funding. Initially, Persistent Systems had planned to finance the acquisition entirely through debt, but has since announced plans to raise up to $450 million in equity and the remaining amount through debt.

This move follows another company, Sun Pharma, which is also exploring the possibility of raising around ₹10,000 crore through shorter-duration bonds for repaying part of its bridge loan used for acquiring a New York-listed healthcare company.