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History of BPL Ltd.

1963

- The Comp. was incorporated as a private limited Comp. & was promoted by TPG Nambiar. It was promoted in technical & financial collaboration with BPL Instruments Ltd., U.K. The Comp. manufacture electronic test & measuring instruments & electro medical instruments, electro cardio graft patient monitoring systems, colour & Black and White TV receivers, video cassette recorders, plain paper copiers etc.

1979

- Permission was obtained for manufacture of plain paper copiers in technical collaboration with Gestaner UK. Later improved state-of-the art plain paper copiers were introduced in technical collaboration with Sanyo, Japan.

1982

- The Comp. diversified into consumer electronics field, colour television receivers, black and white TV receivers, video cassette recorders etc. The products are marketed under the brand name `BPL'.

1994

- 176,00,000 No. of equity shares held by promoters. During March 1994, the Comp. offered 82,00,000 No. of equity shares of Rs 10 each for cash at a prem. of Rs 105 per share as follows: [is] on firms allotment basis: 75,000 shares to promoters, directors, friends etc.; [iis] 10,00,000 shares to UTI/ICICI/SCICI. Another 2,00,000 shares issued in preferential allotment basis to employees. [Only 1,97,600 shares taken ups]. Balance 69,25,000 shares along with 2,400 shares not taken up by employees issued to public. In addition 9,00,000 shares were issued at a premium of Rs 155 per share to FIIs on firm allotment basis.

1995

- The Comp. has embarked on the export oriented project for manufacture of Alkaline Batteries.

- The Comp. undertook the modernisation-cum-Expansion Project at its TV manufacturing facilities at Hoskote & Arakera & PCB manufacturing facility at Doddaballapur. It has its capacity to manufacture 4 lakh nos. of CTVs. It was proposed to introduce TVs with additional superior features as per requirement & customer preferences.

- Machineries were to be procured from Asia Matsushita Electronic [Cs] Pvt, Ltd., Singapore, Dainippa Screen Singapore Pvt Ltd., Lam Thong Pannel and Silk Screen Supplier Pvt. limited Singapore etc.

- 10,00,000 No. of equity shares of Rs 10 each at a premium of Rs 120 per share allotted to warrantholders, Rs 30 per shares called up [F.V. called up Rs 2.50, premium called up Rs 27.50.s].

1996

- The Comp. has embarked on the export-oriented project for manufacture of eco-friendly Alkaline Batteries. A state-of-the-art fully automated production facility is being set up at a new location in Dobaspet, Tumkur District, Karnataka.

1997

- BPL Automatics limited & UPTRON Colour Picture Tubes limited are the subsidiary companies of company.

- The Comp. launched Alkaline batteries in Indian market in August. The Batteries are sold in Japan under the brand names SANYO & FUJI FILM.

- BPL has struck a deal with Hindustan Lever [HLLs] by offering four kilos of International Surf Excel free with the purchase of top loading BPL washing machine.

- The Karnataka government accorded approval to BPL Ltd to start a manganese dioxide battery unit, in collaboration with an Indonesian firm, at Somanahalli in Mandya district.

- BPL India Ltd has been awarded the first prize for growth in exports in the consumer electronics category for 1995-96.

- The Comp. has entered into a 50:50 joint venture with PT International Chemical Industries Co Ltd of Indonesia to form BPL PTI Chemical Industries Ltd based in Bangalore.

- The electronic consumer major BPL Ltd has entered into an alliance with Korean Heavy Industries and Construction Ltd for its power project at Ramagundam in Andhra Pradesh.

- BPL Connect has launched a cross-border paging service called `Connect Overseas', connecting UAE with Kerala. The Comp. has launched the new value-added service in association with Motorola and the UAE based Memo Express & Global Net.

1998

- Earlier, in October 1994, BPL & the Andhra Pradesh State Electricity Board signed a PPA, which has been revised. The date of commissioning of project has been set for July 2000.

- The Comp. launched new cooking range incorporating Italian technology, the Comp. also introduced two new models of ultra-sound scanners embodying the latest technology & three new models of electrocardiographs with advanced technology.

- BPL Ltd is entering into a manufacturing & marketing alliance with an undisclosed colour TV maker based in Europe, to avail of the advantage of 14 per cent tax concession on exports to the European Union countries.

- BPL Mobile has introduced three new models with hands free kits in the Mobile on the Spot Package. The three models include Motorola Amio A 180, Siemens S6 Power & Philips Twist, the latest models in the industry.

- BPL Mobile has introduced the mobile long distance [MLDs] facility, by which a subscriber can call over 40 destinations in Tamil Nadu at the rate lower than department of telecommunications [DoTs] charges.

- BPL Ltd, launched its latest range of products, in Hyderabad. The technology for these products was developed through BPL tie-ups with global industry leaders. BPL Mobile has launched a range of pre-paid SIM cards. - BPL Mobile has introduced the automatic roaming [auto roams] service in Tamil Nadu.

- BPL Automation limited one of subsidiaries of Comp. became a wholly owned subsidiary of Comp. on 21st July.

- 50,00,000 redeemable pref. shares of Rs 100 each issued. 1,00,000 No. of equity shares of Rs 10 each [prem. of Rs 130 per sharess] issued on conversion of warrants.

1999

- BPL Mobile is introducing the mobile on the spot prepaid card with an over the air customisation facility in Tamil Nadu.

- Consumer electronics major BPL & Microsoft, Corporation India Pvt Ltd have formed a joint strategic initiative to provide interactive voice response, computer telephony & call centre applications.

- BPL, the consumer electronics & telecom major, has entered into a memorandum of understanding [MoUs] with RITES, a public sector company under the ministry of railways, to form a joint venture Comp. to build a broad band telecom network under the liberalised telecom policy.

- Bajaj Auto Finance has entered into a tie-up with BPL to finance the later white goods & their customer durables.

2000

- BPL announced the launch of bplnet.com, its internet business. It will be offered under group company, BPL Innovision, the group arm that is into information technology & the internet business.

- BPL has launched Oyeindia.com, a youth portal which will provide a platform for youth to converge, communicate, consult & connect.

- BPL has set up a think-tank comprising of senior officials of the company, to look into strategic planning & provide a roadmap for BPL future journeys into a converging world.

- BPL is set to launch its front-loading, fully computerised washing machine range by July.

- BPL Ltd., the holding Comp. of BPL Group, is set to launch BPL Digital, a new premium colour television brand, hearalding the convergence of internet & cellular services with the entertainment electronics industry.

- BPL limited will tie up with either Bang and Olufsen of Denmark or Loewe of Germany, leading European designer CTV lables, to roll out BPL Digital in 29, 32 & 34-inch screen sizes.

- BPL Mobile has launched `Mumbai on Mobile', an information service that offers subscribers with the latest happenings in the city.

- BPL Mobile Roamfree, the first roaming service to be launched in Kerala, will be available in Muscat, making it the seventh network to be launched.

- BPL Mobile, one of two cellular phone service providers in Tamil Nadu has tied up with ICICI Bank to enable its subscribers to access their ICICI Bank Acc. through its `MobileInternet' service.

- BPL Innovision group had entered into an agreement with more than 300 cable TV operators of Thrissur to form a joint venture company.

- BPL has launched a high-end audio entertainment brand called Pro-Fx with the technology from Denon of Japan, world leaders in high-end digital audio.

- BPL limited has decided to rename one of its group companies, BPL Sanyo Technologies Ltd., as BST Ltd.

- BPL has tied up with Denon of Japan who are world leaders in high-end digital audito for PRO FX, an entertainment brand promoted by BPL.

- The Comp. has issued & allotted 4,000,000 Cumulative Redeemable Preference Shares of Rs. 100/- each, to certain Institutions/Bank on a private placement basis, consequent to which, the Preference Share Capital of Comp. has increased to Rs. 90 crores from Rs. 50 crore.

- bplnet.com, the Internet Comp. of Nambiars-promoted BPL group, launched its Internet access services in Delhi & said that it will roll out its access services in four more cities in the first phase of expansion.

- BPL Ltd is investing over Rs 10 to promote & build its new European colour television brand Evelux.

- BPL Mobile has bagged the gold medal for corporate image at the annual International Advertising Festival of Montreux, one of the leading advertising festivals of Europe, held in Switzerland.

- The Comp. has informed that, BPL PTI limited has become a subsidiary of the Comp. effective from 16th August, consequent to the transfer of 2,00,00,000 No. of equity shares of Rs. 10 each.

- BPL Mobile launched India first MobileInternet using General Packet Radio Service technology.

- BPL has introduced a high end audio entertainment brand, ' PRO FX'.

- BPL Telecom Ltd, the networking & information technology arm of BPL Ltd, has deployed earth stations for digital video broadcast using the 4:2:2 compression technique.

- BPL Telecom Ltd., the information technology & networking arm of BPL Ltd., has commissioned 19 `C' category Internet nodes spread in all district headquarters in Andhra Pradesh in a record of 20 days.

2001

-Launches an `e' initiative with a view to convert itself into an extended enterprise.

-Government announcement to award licences for fourth cellular operator,

- BPL Mobile has introduced MobileSelect, an innovative product for the premium user segment.

- BPL has entered into a lease arrangement with Konkan Railway Corporation limited for two pairs of optical fibre cables for proposed backbone in the south-western region.

- BPL Ltd has allotted secured redeemable NCDs of Rs 1 crore have been allotted to various banks/financial institutions on private placement basis.

2001

- The BPL Group will merge to create the biggest cellular Comp. in the country before the end of current calendar year. Sources said that leading accountancy & consultancy firm Arthur Andersen is undertaking a valuation of all the cellular circles of BPL to facilitate the big bang merger.

- BPL chairman & managing director Ajit G Nambiar said expansion in the global market through acquisition of manufacturing units & even a foreign brand will be its key strategy to beat the economic recession.

- In a crucial move, BPL is planning to have a 50:50 joint venture with its technical collaborator Sanyo for its home appliances business. The $20-billion Japanese major will now become a management partner --BPL-Batata combine plans IPO by year-end. The new entity, to be formed following the merger of BPL & the Tatas-Birla-AT&T, is likely to go public by year-end.They are contemplating an IPO by Christmas, which may be a combination of domestic & international offerings.

- BPL has tied up with Bangalore-based Forsee Multimedia & a New Delhi-based Comp. to develop touch screen kiosks

- The board of BPL Ltd has cleared the organisation wide restructuring, which includes divestment from group companies' equity, financial reengineering & rightsizing the organisation.

- BPL Communications has finally pulled out of consortium comprising Sterling Infotech, Tycom & Century Tel bidding for VSNL divestment.

2002

-Seeked help of Ambit Finance Ltd as its exclusive strategic & financial adviser for its restructuring

-BPL home appliances division has launched innovative Direct Cool Fridges catering to the mass market DC segment with the lauch of its new models.

-BPL released its new pretty roaming products in the market.

-BPL Telecom & Ericsson has joined hands together to distribute its range of enterprise products in India.

- BPL-Sanyo proposed 50:50 tie up in the home appliances business seems to be uncertain with Sanyo expecting control stake in the tie up

- Deepak Varma has been made the president & chief executive officer [CEOs] of BPL Mobile communications' Mumbai operations.

-The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a special leave petition [SLPs] filed by Mauritius-based CDC Financial Services one of investors in BPL Communications.

-Telecom software Comp. Subex Systems Ltd has entered a contract with BPL Mobile to deploy its fraud management system, Ranger.

-BPL Ltd has launched CARDIART 6208 multi channel thermal array recorder, Nebulisers that cater to asthmatic patients at clinics, hospitals & especially for home use.

-BPL Ltd has developed a new sub-branding & market segmentation strategy.

-BPL Mobile has tied up with Indiatimes, the Times of India group.

-Launches its mega consumer promotion to leverage the expected World Cup Football sales upswing. The promotion branded 'BPL Colours of Brazil Shootout, is aimed at creating excitement around BPL Colour Televisions, encashing on the World Cup Football fever.

-BPL Mobile has launched new services with Music Call, Movie Call & miNews.

-BPL Mobile & ICICI Bank have engaged & tied up to enable to recharge of BPL prepaid cellular service ability [branded `mots's] at any of bank 1000 plus ATMs across the nation.

-BPL Mobile has launched,`Follow Me' service that enables all pre-paid users partial roaming facilities.

-The BPL has made sales of 3.38 lakh units of colour televisions in the first four months of calendar 2002.

-Mr. Viswanath Nambiar has been co-opted as an Additional Director

-The BPL Mobile & Citibank have joined hands to launch real-time mobile commerce application - electronic recharges for BPL Mobile Mots [pre-paids] subscribers.

-Bharti Cellular launched its low-tariff Airtel mobile services in the city, the rivals BPL Mobile & Orange had to cut their rates

- Idea Cellular has tied up with Hutch & BPL which will offer reduced roaming airtime rates.

- BPL Mobile & Navinmail jointly introduced two new products using the voice messaging platform-miVoice & MAPS [mobile answer phone services]-on 'Mots', the pre-paid card service of BPL Mobile.

-BPL Mobile has launched the latest mobile messaging technology, multimedia messaging service [MMSs] in Mumbai.

-Introduces Multimedia Messaging Service [MMSs] in Mumbai city

- BPL Mobile has launched new airtime rates for its pre-paid service both for Mots & Mots Roamfree.

-Mr. V A Raghu appointed as nominee Director w.e.f. September 30, 2002.

- BPL Mobile & TeliVoice, a Sabeer Bhatia promoted company, have globally introduced the Mobile Answer Phone Services [MAPSs] for MOTS [mobile on the spots] subscribers of BPL.

-Proposed merger of Idea Cellular with BPL Mobile falls through

2003

-The properties of BPL group promoters TPG Nambiar & his son Ajit Nambiar have been attached through a conditional interim order passed by city civil judge, Bangalore

-Mr M Sasi has been appointed as Director [Finance and Corporate Plannings] of Comp. [without any remunerations] for a period of two years, with immediate effect.

-Unveiled laptops under the BPL brand & is likely to grow by 50 per cent this year.

-Unit Trust of India, has informed them of sale of 5,87,220 shares of BPL limited in the secondary market [aggregate sale from February 03, 2003 to September 16, 2003s] & hence the current total holding is 7.69% of paid up capital of Comp. carrying voting rights.

-Mr. Sundararaman appointed as head-operations of its automation division

-BPL has launched its range of color TV - i-Sort.

-BPL & Voltas - have bagged the OEM deals from the $8.72 billion Chinese consumer appliance major - Haier.

2004

-For starters, the company old-timer & CEO KS Jayanth Kumar has stepped down from full time service effective December 31, 2003.

ICICI Bank Limited has withdrawn the nomination of Mr. P H Ravikumar from the Board of Comp. & has nominated Mr. M Sudhendranath, in his place. bs] Mr. K S Jayanth Kumar has resigned as the Director and Chief Executive Officer of Company.

BPL Limited has bagged the original equipment manufacturing deals from the Chinese white goods maker, Haier.

-BPL tie up with Sanyo expires

2005

-Delist equity share from the Delhi Stock Exchange Association Ltd [DSEs] w.e.f. March 31, 2005.

-BPL, along with its associates, enters into MOU with Eveready Industries

-BPL ties up with Sanyo for CTV venture