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SBS expands outsourcing biz

        Sundaram Business Services, the BPO arm of Sundaram Finance Ltd is expanding its pay roll outsourcing business in the domestic market. SBS has announced that it has signed outsourcing agreements in the pay roll processing space with two global companies while more are in the pipeline. A German-headquartered fast growing company and a Danish company, both in the manufacturing sector, have outsourced their pay roll processing function to SBS. Both these companies have significant employee presence in India. SBS currently services pay roll for over 6000 employees in India.

        Indian Overseas Bank has surpassed the Rs 1,00,000 crore mark reaching Rs 1,02,300 crore in its total business as on 31 December, 2006. The bank has a strong network of 1609 branches across the country. And ten new branches and 50 off-site ATMs are to be added to the network shortly. About 170 extension counters are extending personal banking service to the customers. Of these, 60 extension counters will be upgraded into full-fledged branches shortly. The bank etched notable imprints on the canvas of banking scenario during 2006 with robust performance and is moving forward with glowing enthusiasm in 2007.

        Bringing in more enthusiasm is Pepe Jeans latest range of 'Black in Black' collection which aptly looks and feels revelry head to toe. The collection has a strong influence of the Dickensian street urchin or tinker and the pomp and ceremony of historic military uniform. Fabrics of this range are clean, subtle and soft. And the collection is rich in understated decoration with tone glass beadwork and antique look metallic embroideries and insignias. The new range is available at all the outlets of Pepe Jeans.

        Aviva Life Insurance announced an increase in its capital base by Rs 199.1 crore, taking the total paid-up capital to Rs 758.2 crore. As per government regulations Aviva holds a 26 per cent stake and Dabur 74 per cent. The fresh infusion will help fuel the growth plans in 2007. Bert Paterson, managing director, Aviva Life said, 'Aviva has a long term commitment to India and the current capital infusion of Rs 199.1 crore will allow us to expand our operations and launch new products for the customers.'

        Q2 Asia Pacific has come out with Xda range series. The new product is the company's latest PDA-phone aimed at meeting the needs of professionals and high-flyers in the business world, while Xda Stealth is designed with the multi-tasker in mind, offering the ease of use of a mobile phone with the functionally of a PDA device.

        Hyundai Motor India announced an increase in the introductory price of its latest mid-size offering the Hyundai Verna. The price increase on the Hyundai Verna will be for both the diesel and petrol models. The price increase varies from Rs 3500 for its base petrol model to Rs 10,000 for its state-of-the-art diesel model.