We would like to inform you that in our Annual Report for the year ended March 31, 2004, under the head "Management Discussions and Analysis" on page 11, the company had already disclosed on the formation of the new Joint Venture with WOCO, the relevant extracts are reproduced below for your ready reference:
" The company has signed a third Joint Venture with WOCO to set up the facilities to manufacture rubber products in special Economic zone (preferable Kandla). This JV will focus on the export market. Share holding of the joint venture will be similar to the one above. WOCO will have an option to increase its stake to 66.67% in the joint venture, at a future date".
The company had accordingly filed an application to the Government of India, Ministry of Finance, FIPB Unit, which has been approved on 8/11/04. The newspaper has carried the details about the same.
In relation to possible acquisition, as published in the news item, as of now, while we are in discussions for a possible acquisition of a European company, we could furnish the details only once the acquisition is confirmed. Accordingly, we would inform the stock exchange with the full details once the acquisition is done.