Net4India buys 50% stake in Bharatsamachar

NEW DELHI: Net4India, an Internet services and solutions provider, has

acquired 50 per cent stake in Bharatsamachar.com, a news portal targeted at non

resident Indians (NRIs). The investment of $2.5 million will be made in the

portal over a span of 18 months. The alliance is expected to mutually benefit

the two partners. While Net4India will have access to the content generated by

the portal, Bhartasamachar will have access to Net4India’s customer base.

The investment in Bharatsamachar is part of a series of strategic investments

that Net4India is looking at to offer the entire spectrum of Internet related

services and solutions. Speaking about the investment, Net4India CEO Jasjit

Sawhney says, "Since our focus is on the SME segment, we will be looking at

ventures which will help us consolidate our position as a complete Internet

services and solutions company."

The Net4India investment in the portal will be aimed at increasing the focus

of the portal to cater to the Indian audience. As such, the alliance will see

Bharatsamachar’s presence in the country being expanded to six cities. Sawhney

adds, "The expansion of Bharatsamachar in India is expected to be smooth

with the existing set-ups of Net4India across these cities providing support to

the Bharatsamachar team."

While the portal will expand its focus to provide content for the audience in

India, Net4India will provide customized content to its users. Besides gathering

information through primary sources, Bharatsamachar also sources information

through various agencies and syndicates.