MC Insider | Finfluencer’s vanishing video, care for female staff draws firangi funds, lady luck for realtors and more

The merger of two broking firms announced late last year is apparently on a slow burn. We hear that research analysts of one of the firms have been asked to limit their media interactions till the nitty-gritty have been resolved. Only the top two-three guys are making regular appearances in daily business news programming, while other names simply make it to the bottom of research reports. When markets are going nowhere, anyway analysts are a worried lot; for some, it’s a double whammy, it seems!

This former CEO of a bank, currently on a break, is getting a lot of job offers from fintech players we hear. But the person hasn’t said yes to anyone yet and is evaluating all options. The abrupt exit from the earlier firm had led to a lot of speculation in the market. The executive has an impressive track record with successful stints at top companies. No wonder why new-age firms are joining the queue to tap this ex-CEO. Who wouldn’t want to have a big name at the top!

Retaining female labour force at industrial plants has been a challenge for Indian corporates for various reasons, and many have even begun to make changes for retention. Factories are usually situated at a remote location which is a big bother for many female workers. Recently, an electrical equipment maker said in its conference call that it is upgrading infrastructure by improving connectivity and developing well-lighted pathways for women labourers so they could come to manufacturing plants and offices without a hiccup. Foreign Institutional Investors seem to be drooling over this stock as they have raised their stake and the share price also has seen a dream run since December end. Strangely, analysts are still circumspect about the stock, but the joke is, the company may be alluring the firangis with additional points for ESG, thanks to its diversity thrust!

Imagine coming into office and finding out your favourite tea and coffee brand is replaced with cheaper ones. Not just that, your joining kit is no longer fancy bags and thermos water bottles but a simple notebook and a pamphlet on productivity tips. Not very subtle, right? This top SaaS firm is undertaking some serious cost-cutting measures amid a tough macro environment. Apart from some minor employee benefit expense reduction, the company now has decided to use only the free zoom subscription option, cut down on transportation with priority cab drops and no more fancy off-sites. One might wonder if these small changes make a big difference, but maybe the firm thinks these little changes may help save big in the longer run.

Lady luck is smiling upon realty companies down south that were waiting for a change of hands in one of the southern states. Many of these firms are expediting the launch of premium projects. Launch dates of five to six multi-storeyed residential projects have been advanced by around six months with many realtors now focusing on premium customers and launching only plush projects with 3 BHK and villa options in south markets.

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