PFC, REC seek to help centre retain majority at low cost

Power Finance Corp and REC are finalizing a merger plan to help the government maintain its majority stake cost-effectively. Two primary options are being considered: issuing preference shares at ₹10 each, requiring an estimated ₹800 crore outlay, or subscribing to non-tradable bonds worth around ₹24,000 crore. Advisors favor the preference share route, deeming it less expensive than the recurring interest costs of bonds.