Transcript Document 7170397

2013
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Who we are
Professional background of partners
Range of Services
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Strategy Consulting Services
Corporate Advisory Services
Mergers & Acquisition Advisory
Venture Capital Advisory
Education Vertical – Specialist Services
Training Solutions
Business Incubator Services
Strategic Partners
Quest Advantage & Approach
Testimonials
Locations
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Experienced team of 8 professionals led by 2 Partners founded in year
2000
Geographic Spread covering primary metros and a satellite city.
(Mumbai, Calcutta, Delhi & Bangalore) enabling seamless point-topoint delivery.
Though young….have an impeccable track record in respect of
mandates executed coupled with diversity and breadth of our client
universe.
Professional Background of the Partners
Imran Panju
Partner (Mumbai)
Imran Panju is based in Mumbai. Over the past twenty five years he has been closely involved in both, the areas of
manufacturing & industry, as well as financial services & consulting and brings a rich and varied experience to the
practice.
He started his career as an Industrial Marketing consultant in the U.S., and then held progressively senior roles in
investment banking when he moved back to India. Early in his career he set up a boutique financial Advisory firm which
became part of a large financial group, where he served on the Board of Directors for several years.
Quest was co-founded by Imran in the year 2000, as an Executive Search service provider to International and Private
Banks. The Strategy and Business consulting practice was added in 2004.
He also managed and grew the business of an automobile ancillary manufacturing company (OEM supplier), which is
listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange, where he is now a member of the Board of Directors.
Imran has been ‘India Country Advisor’ to the Schulich School of Business, York University, Toronto, Canada since 2005
and is a member of the Executive Committee of the Indo - Canadian Business Chamber - Mumbai Regional Chapter.
He is currently a member of the Board of Directors of Simmonds Marshall Ltd, Harlequin India Ltd, J.N. Marshall Ltd
and other privately held companies.
Imran has a Masters degree in Business Administration with majors in Finance and MIS
Professional Background of the Partners
Cont’d…
Subhabrata (Rontu) Basu
Partner (Mumbai)
Subhabrata (Rontu) Basu, is based in Mumbai.
Rontu is a banking professional with over 25 years experience in the financial sector and has worked in senior
positions with DSP Merrill Lynch, ANZ Grindlays, Jardine Fleming, Commerzbank and Deutsche Bank. His
experience in investment banking covered industry and company analysis, business and equity valuation, financial
structuring, primary capital market transactions and Mergers & Acquisition Advisory, across diverse industry
sectors, including, FMCG, Technology, Clean Tech, Industrial & Media. He was part of the core team which set up
Commerzbank’s branch in India and established its corporate banking operations. In his stint with Deutsche Bank
Private Banking he was responsible for conceptualising and executing the bank’s wealth management strategies
targeted towards entrepreneurs and professionals in the Technology and Media sectors.
Rontu has a broad range of experience in conducting senior level searches, with an emphasis on building team
platforms in financial services in India, across Investment Banking, Private Banking & Private Equity. He has also
been associated with some successful searches executed in the Middle East, in the Wholesale Banking & Treasury
area and has had a long stint, in the ME region, in the financial consulting area, with an international accounting
and consulting group. Rontu has an extensive network of financial market professionals across Asia and the
Middle East, arising from his past career in banking.
Professional Background of the Partners
Cont’d…
Subhabrata (Rontu) Basu
Partner (Mumbai)
His past investment banking experience and senior level connections, in driving deals across diverse industry sectors,
has enabled him to effectively leverage this experience, to access talent across the Technology, Media & Entertainment
and Clean Tech sectors.
He played a key role, in the launch of the Strategy and Business Consulting practice of Quest, in 2004, and has led
several India entry strategy assignments across, education, media and publishing. He has also been the “India Country
Advisor” to the Schulich School of Business, York University, Toronto, since 2005 and has helped them formulate and
execute their India strategy and presence.
He is the current Chairperson of the Mumbai Regional Council of the Indo-Canadian Business Chamber (ICBC) and
Vice-President of the National Board and through this association, is active in the India-Canada corridor, covering
trade, investment & institutional linkages.
Rontu has a Bachelors Degree in Commerce from the University of Bombay and a Diploma in Accounting Studies from
Oxford Brookes University, UK. He also holds an Accounting Technician Certificate from the Institute of Chartered
Accountants of India.
Rontu is a keen badminton player, having represented his club in tournaments on several occasions and enjoys trekking
and the outdoors
Quest Partners management consulting business leverages our deep industry
expertise, robust database, research capabilities and portfolio of corporate and
government relationships. The firm has an unique focus on trade, investment &
institutional linkages in the Indo-Canada corridor. Quest offers strategic
consulting services to Canadian companies for India business development and to
Indian companies for Canadian market presence
 Strategy Consulting Services
 Corporate Advisory Services
 Education Vertical-Specialist Services
 Training Solutions
 Executive Education India - Through our association with the Schulich
School of Business, we are active in India developing top tier Executive
Education programs for the Indian corporate sector delivered by Schulich
faculty.
 Developing and marketing customised & public, management and
leadership programs, to the corporate sector, for reputed international
universities and leadership institutes.
 Business Incubator Services
Focused in the Financial services area, which include New
market entry, Market sizing, Market positioning & Strategy
Review.
 Proprietary knowledge about the financial services industry,
allows Quest to complete Strategy Consulting Projects in a
tighter time frame, without compromising on the quality of
the output.
 Strategy Consulting Clients
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International Bank – Strategic study on private banking entry
Leading container & Ship Agency Company – setting up a container
leasing fund as an alternative asset class for investors.
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Strategic study undertaken on behalf of an international bank to assist in
evaluating the market potential of setting up a Wealth Management /
Private Banking business in India.
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The study covered the following areas:
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Historical development of the Wealth Management Market
Market Potential for Private Banking in India and present scenario.
Recent market trends in the Industry.
Indian Wealth Pyramid and Potential clients.
Products and pricing.
Competitor Analysis
Licences, permits and regulatory framework
Recommending the positioning and strategy of the private bank.
 Corporate
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India Entry Strategy
Mergers & Acquisitions - Cross-Border & Local
Divestment / Disposal
Venture Capital
Fund Raising
Joint Ventures / Alliances
Active in the India-Canada corridor covering trade, investment and
institutional linkages
 Corporate
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Advisory Services
Advisory Clients
Schulich School of Business
Harlequin Mills & Boon India Ltd.
Toronto Star
A24 Media
MHS Inc
 Research
and analysis of current market situation
including study of current players in the relevant
sector
 Planning and formulation of India strategy
 Evaluation of options in terms of organic or nonorganic build up
 Advice on financing options if required
 Local representation and distribution tie-up
 Execution of implementation plan and assistance in
the initial stages
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What should my entry strategy be?
What are government norms on FDI, for my industry? What other
regulations are prevalent?
What can be expected beyond the visible horizon?
How can we expand the market for our products and services?
How do I find the right partners to sell/distribute my product?
Is our business model appropriate? Changes we should consider?
We have our hypothesis about the market for our new concepts. Are we
on the right track? Can we go ahead and make the investments?
Can you help us implement your suggestions?
Quest Partners have been appointed as Country Advisors - India for the Schulich School of
Business, York University.
The Schulich School is Canada's No 1 business school and has been ranked amongst the top 30 in
the world by both the Financial Times, London and the Economist Intelligence unit in their
annual rankings of the world's top 100 MBA programs. Quest Partners is the Satellite office for the
Schulich School in India and the scope of its services are:
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Promoting and marketing the Schulich executive education training programs to Indian
Corporates, banks, financial institutions and public sector corporates. Training programs
conducted for Citibank, American Express, Indian Hotels, Aditya Birla Group & at Tata
Management Training Centre (TMTC).
Placement of Schulich graduates of BBA, MBA and other Schulich programs into the Indian
market.
Providing assistance in conjunction with the School representatives in admission recruiting
into the various programs.
Advice on strategic alliances by Schulich with academic institutions in India and assistance
in negotiations.
Advice and assistance in identifying potential partners for the India campus, conducting due
diligence and assistance in negotiations to form the alliance.
 World Leader in romance fiction
 Scope of Work
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Strategic Situational Analysis
Industry Environment Analysis
Competitive Environment Analysis
Cost Advantages
Analysis of market attractiveness
Mode of Entry
Due Diligence of potential J V partners
Co-ordination with legal firms and tax advisory firms to create an
optimum structure for the proposed vehicle.
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Leading newspaper publication of Canada
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Strategic situational analysis of players in the Indian media space.
Identifying media houses as potential partners.
Conducting Due Diligence of potential partners.
Assistance in drawing up the business plan.
Assistance in negotiations to form the alliance.
Co-ordination with legal firms and tax advisory firms to create an
optimum structure for the proposed vehicle.
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Leading privately held publication company, specializes in the development, publication
and distributions of psychological assessments with product catering to four distinct
markets – Clinical (Psychological /Psychiatrists), Education (Schools / Universities),
Public Safety (Criminal Justices / Police) and Human Resources (Talent Assessment)
 Scope of work
 MHS has engaged Quest to research, develop and implement their India strategy, aimed at
launching their EQ - 2.0, product in the Indian market.
 Develop a list of potential contacts in the relevant target audience, with a view to generating
opportunities for MHS products and services in the Indian market.
 To develop a list of potential distribution partners, and gauge interest /potential in MHS
products & services
 Assist with the conduct of a market research initiative, if required, to understand scope and
potential of the talent assessment market
 Advise on the regulatory requirements/formalities for structuring an appropriate presence in
India, either as a representative/liaison office, branch or wholly owned subsidiary in
consultation with legal firms and tax advisors.
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Pan – African News Media Content Company
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Identifying suitable partners for a Joint Venture
Selecting possible clients for syndicated feeds and online content
Analysis of comparative cost of setting up broadcast stations
Research on suppliers of related hardware and software
Gauging interest of potential investors - both financial and
strategic
Active in the Indo-UAE and Indo – Canada corridor
 Advised on cross-border transactions in the middle east,
in the construction chemicals and leisure / hospitality
space
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Advising early stage companies to identify an appropriate
equity partner
 Focused approach on venture capital raising < $10 m
 Assisting in preparation of information memorandum, and
using our knowledge, track record and rolodex to pitch to the
institutional venture capital community
 Advised a technology solutions provider to the ‘Logistics
Industry’.
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Quest has an unique education vertical, which specializes in strategic management of higher education in India, facilitating
international collaborations and market development. Our clients in this area include the Schulich School of Business, Laval
University, Montreal, HEC, Montreal and York University, Canada. With these Institutions, we have provided services
across areas such as, building strategic relationships with academic/corporate /industry associations, organization of
industry focused study tours & teacher training programmes for special education teachers, school administrators & higher
education administrators.
Unique understanding of the education sector in India and its challenges and opportunities arising from the firm’s hands on
experience from advising clients in this sector
Network of relationships in this sector across educational institutions, government, academicians and PE funds focused on
this area
Advising, developing and implementing entry strategy for overseas educational institutions, keeping in mind the regulatory
framework in this sector
Organising road shows and seminars for overseas educational institutions and advising on marketing strategy
Advising on alliances with Indian educational Institutions, doing the necessary due diligence and forging relationships with
overseas universities to bring programs to Indian shores in a partnership model
Building global competitiveness in this sector by forging innovative partnerships with overseas universities, through a wide
range of modalities such as student & faculty exchange, research collaborations, twinning and dual degree programs
Identification of industrial groups, real estate developers interested in partnering with overseas universities/ business
schools to set up an independent campus and developing the business plan and project report
Advising Indian educational institutions with overseas campuses on possible tie-ups with international universities/
business schools to enhance the quality of their program
Mapping Talent requirements in India for Universities and Business Schools across CEO/Vice – Chancellor, Senior faculty
and Director level positions.
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Schulich is one of only four schools in the world to be ranked in the top
tier of both Executive Education categories (Open-Enrolment and
Custom Programs) by the Economist Intelligence unit.
SEEC’s diverse range of programs tailored to the Indian market has
included Negotiations, Strategic Leadership, Innovative Thinking and
other top-talent development initiatives for clients in the hospitality,
financial services and manufacturing sectors.
“The Schulich Executive Education Centre designed a program which
met our specific needs through a balanced training solution that was a
mix of global theory and practical experience. We look forward to
continuing this positive relationship as we expand our leadership
training initiatives.”
― Chandrani Chakraborty, HR Head, Markets & Banking, Citigroup India.
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Quest actively develops & markets customized executive education
programs to the corporate sector. Clients include, Citibank, Amex,
Aditya Birla Group, TATA Group, Indian Hotels Ltd.
 We offer work stations, communications access and secretarial
support, to our clients, in the early stage of market
development.
 Office well located, near downtown business district, close to
the offices of major banks and state government offices.
 Enables the client, in the early stage of market development, to
focus on the more important aspect of building their business.
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Legal
 AZB Partners
 Desai & Diwanji
 Desai Desai Carrimjee & Mulla
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Tax Advisory Firms
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BMR Advisory
Real Estate & Location Planning
 Cushman & Wakefield India Pvt. Ltd
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Market Research
 ValueNotes
Closing the Chasm Between Strategy and Implementation
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Quest Advantage
 Highly collaborative and participative approach leading to client buy-in
 Structured, methodical and logical approach leading to effective
solutions
 Strong skills in implementing the recommendations we develop
 Deep industry expertise, robust database, research capabilities and
portfolio of corporate and government relationships.
Quest Approach
 Holistic and integrated approach
 Incise local knowledge and common sense approach
 Association with consultants of many disciplines who complement inhouse experience and provide a wide and comprehensive skill base
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Shared vision with the client
Primarily one-point contact
with identified management
and relationship alternates
Focus. Focus. Focus.
Deliberate niche focus to
ensure “anytime availability”.
Extremely successful business
model.
Small and effective
management team enabling
seamless information flow
during the identification and
research stages
Here’s what others are saying:
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Rontu and Imran must be among the most well-connected consultants in India, whose connections
run all the way to Canada — via the Persian Gulf. That’s been my experience with them over the
years, for both my journalism as well as corporate responsibilities.
- Haroon Siddiqui,
Editorial Page Editor Emeritus and Columnist,
The Toronto Star, Canada’s largest newspaper.
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Quest Partners has been an invaluable associate of the Schulich School of Business for nearly a decade
now.
Rontu Basu and Imran Panju are an integral part of our team in India and one of the keys to our
success in that dynamic and rapidly growing part of the world. They helped us establish a foothold in
India through the opening of our Satellite Centre in Mumbai in 2005, and were instrumental in
helping us develop and execute our strategy for becoming one of the first leading schools from
outside India to deliver an MBA within that country.
We value the rich market knowledge and strategic thinking they bring, as well as the access they
provide to their extensive professional network in India. They have a demonstrated track record of
successfully working with various levels of government, and they can always be counted on provide
a high level of professional service and integrity in all of the work they do.
- Dezsö J. Horváth, PhD, CM,
Dean & Tanna H. Schulich Chair in Strategic Management,
Schulich School of Business,
York University (Toronto, Canada)
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Quest Partners were instrumental in all phases of Harlequin enterprises assessing, planning,
entering and succeeding in the India market. As an international company with offices in 15
countries, and sales in over 100 countries, Harlequin knows the international market. But the
principals at Quest Partners were able to introduce us to all the people we needed to know as we
developed our plans to invest in India. They then recruited all our local staff, and then acted as
consultants to ensure our first year in India was a success. I highly recommend Quest Partners as
consultants for any international company, considering entering the Indian market.
- Stephen Miles,
Executive Vice President Overseas,
Harlequin, Toronto, Canada
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Quest Partners and specifically Rontu and Imran have been invaluable in assisting MHS develop
and execute our strategy for distribution in India. They clearly understand our business and unique
value proposition putting them in a great position to leverage their extensive network and
connections to help us grow. There are many opportunities for Canadian companies in India but it
takes partners such as Rontu and Imran to guide organizations in turning this potential into revenue
and profit. The Indian market is complex and the cultural differences significant. Investing in the
relationship with Quest Partners was the smartest move MHS made in developing plans for India.
- Hazel Wheldon, M.A.
Publisher, COO
Multi-Health Systems (MHS), Canada.
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Imran is a true professional, highly intelligent, courteous and conscientious. Imran was instrumental in
establishing our contact base and entry strategy into the Indian market. His sound, pragmatic guidance
allowed us to avoid many of the pitfalls of many other MNCs entering this dynamic market. I would
highly recommend anyone considering opportunities in India to speak with Imran first for an honest
assessment.
- Andrew Go,
Former Country Head – India,
Harlequin.
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Registered Office
 Apeejay Chambers, 5 Wallace street, Fort, Mumbai – 400 001
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Mumbai Corporate office:
 D 25 Dhanraj Mahal,
C.S.M Road, Apollo Bunder,
Mumbai – 400 001.
Tel: +91 22 66545660
Fax +91 22 66545666
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Branches :
 Bangalore
 Delhi
 Kolkatta
We would be delighted to work with
you