Srei Infrastructure Finance Limited was an Indian infrastructure finance company. Founded in 1985 by Hemant Kanoria and Sunil Kanoria, its core business revolved around financing infrastructure projects, primarily in the power, roads, telecom, oil & gas, and ports sectors. The company operated as a non-banking financial institution (NBFC).
Srei provided a range of financial products and services including project finance, equipment finance, infrastructure development, and advisory services. A significant part of their portfolio was focused on equipment financing, providing loans and leases for construction equipment and other assets essential for infrastructure development. They aimed to facilitate the growth of infrastructure in India by providing crucial financial support to various projects and businesses involved in infrastructure development.
The company had two primary subsidiaries: Srei Equipment Finance Limited (SEFL), focusing on equipment finance, and Srei Multiple Asset Investment Trust (SMAIT), an asset reconstruction company. SEFL was particularly prominent in the construction equipment finance space.
However, Srei faced significant financial challenges in recent years. Mounting debt and asset-liability mismatches ultimately led to a severe liquidity crisis. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) initiated insolvency proceedings against Srei Infrastructure Finance Limited and Srei Equipment Finance Limited in October 2021. This marked a major turning point for the company, signifying the culmination of years of financial distress.
The insolvency proceedings under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) were initiated to find a resolution for the company’s debts. An administrator was appointed to manage the affairs of Srei during the insolvency process. The resolution process aimed to either revive the company through a restructuring plan or liquidate its assets to repay creditors.
As of late 2023, the resolution process for Srei remains ongoing. Multiple bidders have expressed interest in acquiring the company’s assets or submitting resolution plans. The outcome of the resolution process will determine the future of Srei and the recovery prospects for its creditors, which include banks and other financial institutions. The case serves as a significant example of the challenges and complexities faced by infrastructure finance companies in India, particularly when dealing with long-term projects and volatile economic conditions.