According to a recent study by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham), though there is a noticeable slump in demand for fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) in the urban markets, the rising demand in rural areas is attracting manufacturers of consumer products and automobiles, and even organised retail businesses.
The Assocham study titled ‘The Rise of Rural India’ reveals that the global financial meltdown notwithstanding, rural India is being seen as a potential for healthy revenue growth for companies, thanks to a robust demand for products of FMCG, two-wheelers, passenger cars as well as retail sectors.
After a long wait, Mahindra Retail, the part of diversified US$6.7 billion Mahindra Group, has finally rolled out its flagship store of Mom & Me in South Delhi. 
Religare Enterprises Limited (REL), a diversified financial services group of India, has notified that its venture capital arm has entered into a 50:50 JV with private equity firm Milestone Capital, for managing a Rs 600-crore healthcare and education fund 'India Build-Out Fund I'. 
Hindustan Dorr Oliver Ltd, a leading total engineering solution provider company, has bagged two prestigious Orders in Mineral Sector worth Rs 66 crore from Vedanta Group.
Bangalore-based Strides Arcolab, a global pharmaceutical company, has announced that it has got tentative approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for a combination drug containing Lamivudine and Stavudine, which is used in the treatment of AIDS.
After finalizing a $200 million buyout transaction with French bigwig Groupe Danone - for its equal stake in biscuit major Britannia – the Wadia group will get complete control over Britannia Industries. Danone will sell its complete 25.48 percent stake to Leila Lands, a Wadia group firm which indirectly holds a similar stake in the biscuit company.
