Change of guard? SpiceJet on the brink of collapse

New Delhi: Beleaguered SpiceJet could see a change of guard if Indian and foreign investors, who are now carrying out due diligence of the cash-strapped airline, are convinced about investing over Rs 1,200 crore and picking up considerable stake in it, industry sources said on Sunday.

After being on the brink of collapse with all its flights grounded five days ago, Ajay Singh, one of the original promoters of SpiceJet, seems to have stepped in as a white knight to help rescue the budget carrier by evincing interest to re-invest, along with other investors.

The potential acquirers are likely to take 4-6 weeks to complete evaluating the cash-strapped budget carrier and its assets and take a decision thereafter, the sources said, adding that SpiceJet's data room has been opened for due diligence.

If the investment goes through, the control of the airline may shift from media baron Kalanithi Maran's hands to the potential investors, though he and his Sun Group could continue to be a minority shareholder, the sources said.

Marans own 53.48 per cent stake in the company together with their Sun Group.

Singh held a series of meetings late last week with Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju and top government officials, fuelling speculation of more investments coming in from new investors in SpiceJet.

Singh, who currently holds about five per cent stake, originally held over 12 per cent, with another co-promoter NRI investor Bhulo Kansagra. In 2010, the Marans bought up nearly 38 per cent stake from Kansagra and investor Wilbur Ross.

Singh is now understood to be playing the role of a bridge between the blue-chip investors and the airline in order to bring it back on track, help it meet its losses and make it profitable once again.

The investors are considered to be close to investing Rs 1,400-1,500 crore, though the actual amount would depend on the diligence exercise, the sources said.