Jaiprakash Associates, a unit of Jaypee Group has defaulted on loans worth Rs.4,258 crore
Jaypee Associates Ltd (JAL), the flagship firm of the crisis-hit Jaypee Group, defaulted on loans worth Rs 4,258 crore on October 31, 2023. The loan default includes a principal amount of Rs 1,733 crore and interest of Rs 2,525 crore.
JAL has been struggling to repay its debts for several years now. The company’s total borrowing (including interest) is Rs 29,272 crore, of which Rs 4,258 crore is overdue.
The company’s debt problems can be traced back to its ambitious expansion plans in the early 2000s. JAL took on a lot of debt to fund its expansion into new sectors such as cement, power, and real estate. However, the global financial crisis of 2008 hit JAL hard, and the company was unable to generate enough cash flow to service its debts.
In 2014, JAL filed for a corporate debt restructuring (CDR) package. The CDR package helped JAL to reduce its debt burden and extend the repayment schedule. However, the company’s debt problems persisted.
In 2017, JAL sold its cement assets to UltraTech Cement for Rs 16,500 crore. This helped to reduce JAL’s debt burden, but the company still has a significant amount of debt outstanding.
In 2018, ICICI Bank filed an insolvency petition against JAL. SBI has also moved the NCLT against JAL, claiming a total default of Rs 6,893.15 crore.
JAL is also involved in a legal battle related to its erstwhile subsidiary Jaypee Infratech Ltd (JIL). In March 2023, Mumbai-based realty firm Suraksha Group got approval from the NCLT to acquire JIL and complete around 20,000 apartments in Noida. However, many parties have approached the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) against the NCLT order.
The impact of JAL’s loan default
JAL’s loan default will have a significant impact on its lenders and creditors. The lenders will have to take write-downs on their loans to JAL. The creditors will also suffer losses, as they are unlikely to recover the full amount of their dues.
JAL’s loan default will also have a negative impact on the Indian economy. JAL is a major player in the cement and infrastructure sectors. The company’s financial problems could lead to delays in infrastructure projects and job losses.
What the future holds for JAL
JAL is currently in a difficult financial situation. The company is facing insolvency proceedings and legal challenges from its lenders. It is also facing stiff competition in the cement and infrastructure sectors.
JAL’s future will depend on its ability to restructure its debt and improve its cash flow position. The company will also need to focus on its core businesses and divest non-core assets.
If JAL is able to successfully restructure its debt and improve its operational performance, it could emerge from its current crisis stronger. However, if the company is unable to turn things around, it could be forced into bankruptcy.
