10th Indian Delegation to Dubai, Gitex & Expand North Star – World’s Largest Startup Investor Connect
All News

Motherson strengthens its aerospace and health & medical businesses with a series of acquisitions.

Mr Vivek Chaand Sehgal, Chairman, Motherson said,

“As part of Vision 2025, Motherson is increasing its focus on non-automotive businesses, which are built on the core strength and manufacturing DNA of Motherson. Our aerospace business now has a strong presence in Asia, Europe, and Africa, enabling us to better serve and provide solutions to aerospace OEMs and Tier 1 customers globally. These acquisitions will serve as catalysts for our health and medical business which will now have access to global manufacturing and R&D capabilities with new footprints across Europe and India. We look forward to welcoming over 1200 new members into the Motherson family.”

Mumbai (India), 20th October 2023

Samvardhana Motherson International Limited (Motherson) announced a series of acquisitions to strengthen its non-automotive businesses further. These acquisitions are spread across the aerospace, health and medical businesses of the company and provide impetus for future growth.

The aerospace division of Motherson is building its capabilities in a phased and strategic manner, enabling it to offer a much wider range of services to aerospace OEMs. Motherson has completed four acquisitions in the Aerospace business segment, from AD Industries, Cirma, and SMAST in 2023 to CIM Tools in 2022. Each of these acquisitions brings a unique set of capabilities. AD Industries manufactures a wide range of components and sub-assemblies and has diverse capabilities across four key divisions (sheet metal, hydraulics, mechanical assemblies, and composites). Its ability to work with hard metals, soft metals, and composites simultaneously positions it uniquely in the aerospace ecosystem. CIM tools bring world-class machining and metal treatment capabilities (detailed parts for aerostructures), while Cirma and SMAST provide wiring harness solutions (EWIS) and advance system solutions. The suite of strategically acquired and organically developed competencies complement each other with limited overlap, which will help it offer a much wider range of services to aerospace OEMs globally.  With 8 facilities in France, the group gets a strategic footprint in the heart of the European aerospace industry and together with 9 facilities in best-cost locations across India and Africa, the division is fully equipped to provide high-quality solutions to the aerospace supply chain. The division will also benefit from an impending increase in build rates. With booked business of US$ 1.3 bn+, the division has strong support from its customers, and the necessary competence to cater to the increased demand of the aerospace sector.

The health and medical business division is leveraging the capabilities of Motherson with a focus on diagnostic equipment, patient aid equipment, IT solutions and services. The greenfield plant in Chennai (India) is near SOP and certification audits are underway. The recent acquisitions of AD Industry and Irillic Private Limited are the first two for this division. AD Industry brings valuable capabilities in reinforced carbon composites, which are essential elements for radiology products like patient tables, X-ray detector housing, and more. This capability is highly scalable and can be utilised to cater to emerging applications prosthetics, orthopaedic equipment etc in addition to other applications in radiology. Irillic has strong capabilities in R&D and engineering, having secured two patents in India and the USA. Irillic has developed imaging systems (Fluorescence Imaging and 4K Laparoscopy) that provide real-time visualisations for a wide range of medical procedures. The division intends to continue developing solutions in-house, via acquisitions as well as through collaborations with universities, hospital systems, and research centres. With the manufacturing expertise of SAMIL, these recent acquisitions will propel significant growth for the division.

About SAMIL (Formerly Motherson Sumi Systems Limited.) and SMRPBV

Samvardhana Motherson International Limited (SAMIL) is a diversified global manufacturing specialist and one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing automotive suppliers for OEMs. Motherson supports its customers from more than 350 facilities across 41 countries, with a team of over 180,000 dedicated professionals. The company recorded revenues of USD 12.7 Bn for FY23 and is among the top 25 largest automotive suppliers worldwide. www.motherson.com

by Sameera

Binance Responds to User Complaints Global crypto exchange Binance has announced that it will increase compensation for customers who were liquidated during the recent crypto market selloff. The move follows widespread criticism after thousands of traders suffered sudden losses due to extreme volatility earlier this month. According to internal reports, Binance will refund part of the unrealized losses to affected users through its User Protection Fund, which currently holds over $1.2 billion in reserves. The compensation applies mainly to futures traders whose positions were automatically liquidated during rapid price swings in Bitcoin and other major tokens. Bitcoin’s Price Plunge Sparks Liquidations The crypto market experienced one of its sharpest downturns in 2025, with Bitcoin (BTC) falling below $50,000 for the first time in eight months. This triggered billions in forced liquidations across major exchanges, including Binance, OKX, and Bybit. Analysts suggest that a combination of high leverage, macroeconomic uncertainty, and institutional selloffs contributed to the crash. Binance faced particular backlash for what users described as “slippage and server delays” during the event. Binance Enhances Transparency In response, Binance’s management pledged to improve system transparency and risk management mechanisms. The exchange stated it is reviewing its liquidation protocols to ensure fairer treatment of users during periods of extreme volatility. A spokesperson confirmed that Binance would also begin publishing weekly protection fund audits to reassure investors. Why It Matters for Investors Looking to Buy Bitcoin The compensation announcement comes at a crucial time for retail traders considering whether to buy Bitcoin on Binance amid renewed volatility. Analysts note that Binance’s proactive stance could restore confidence among users after months of regulatory scrutiny and market turbulence. Crypto strategist Michael Wu from Amber Group commented, “This move reinforces Binance’s commitment to customer protection. It may also attract new users who are hesitant to trade during volatile periods.” Still, experts warn that volatility remains high, and investors should exercise caution before re-entering the market. The Bigger Picture The event underscores the need for stronger investor safeguards as the crypto industry matures. Binance’s decision to compensate affected users sets a potential precedent for other exchanges facing similar backlash. Meanwhile, Bitcoin prices have started to stabilize around $52,300, with cautious optimism returning to the market. Stay ahead with the latest in crypto, startups, and financial technology on StartupNews.FYI — your source for real-time business insights and innovation updates.

by Sameera

Leadership Change at Indonesia’s Flag Carrier Indonesia’s state-owned airline Garuda Indonesia has appointed Glenny Kairupan as its new Chief Executive Officer, according to a government official cited by Reuters. The decision marks another major leadership shift for the national carrier as it continues efforts to stabilize finances and restore operational efficiency after years of restructuring. While the official announcement did not specify the reason for Kairupan’s appointment, it comes at a critical time for Garuda Indonesia, which has been navigating challenges including post-pandemic recovery, debt management, and fleet modernization. A Strategic Appointment Glenny Kairupan, an experienced aviation executive, steps into the role previously held by Irfan Setiaputra, who led the company through one of its most turbulent periods. Under Setiaputra’s leadership, Garuda Indonesia completed a complex court-led debt restructuring worth more than $9 billion, reducing the airline’s liabilities and securing new lease terms for its fleet. Kairupan is expected to continue implementing efficiency strategies while expanding Garuda’s international partnerships and improving profitability. His appointment aligns with the government’s long-term plan to enhance state enterprise governance and ensure transparency across Indonesia’s aviation sector. Challenges Ahead Despite a return to profitability earlier in 2025, Garuda Indonesia still faces significant operational hurdles. Rising fuel prices, global aviation competition, and the need for sustainable modernization remain key issues for the new CEO. The airline is also working on expanding domestic connectivity to boost tourism and regional economic development, a strategic priority under Indonesia’s national infrastructure plan. Industry analysts believe Kairupan’s leadership will be instrumental in balancing financial discipline with growth ambitions. His experience in corporate restructuring and aviation management is seen as critical to guiding Garuda through the next phase of transformation. Government Support and Public Expectations Garuda Indonesia holds symbolic importance as the nation’s flag carrier. The Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises has reiterated its commitment to supporting the airline’s stability while ensuring it remains competitive in the Southeast Asian aviation market. Kairupan’s appointment is viewed as part of a broader strategy to professionalize state-owned enterprise leadership and rebuild public confidence. Outlook With Glenny Kairupan now at the helm, the airline’s immediate focus will likely be on improving operational reliability, expanding profitable routes, and investing in digital transformation to enhance customer experience. As Indonesia’s aviation industry continues to recover, Garuda Indonesia’s success under new leadership will serve as a key indicator of how effectively the country can balance government oversight with corporate agility in a post-pandemic world. For the latest updates on aviation, business, and global leadership trends, visit StartupNews.fyi for comprehensive coverage and analysis.

by Sameera

Company to Cut Jobs Amid Strategic Consolidation Under “Servus Media” Red Bull, the Austrian beverage giant known globally for its energy drinks and sports ventures, has announced a significant restructuring of its media division, including job cuts at Servus TV and other Red Bull Media House operations. The decision, first reported by ORF Salzburg and Der Standard, marks a pivotal shift in Red Bull’s media strategy as the company aims to streamline operations under a unified brand. Red Bull Media Division Undergoes Major Reorganization According to official sources, Red Bull employs roughly 600 people across its various media activities — including Servus TV in Wals-Siezenheim (Flachgau) and the Red Bull Media House headquarters in Vienna. The company now plans to consolidate its media businesses under a new umbrella brand called “Servus Media”, leading to the elimination of about 60 positions. The restructuring aims to bring together the company’s television, digital, and publishing arms to improve efficiency and focus resources on the most profitable channels. “The goal is to create a more integrated and agile media organization,” a company spokesperson told local outlets. Leadership Overhaul and Strategic Refocus The reorganized Red Bull media unit will be managed by Dietmar Otti, alongside executives Matthias Bruegelmann, Marlene Beran, and Stefan Ebner. The new leadership team is expected to oversee the realignment of editorial direction, digital transformation efforts, and international partnerships. Servus TV, long known for its regional programming and documentaries, will continue broadcasting under the new structure. However, insiders suggest that the channel’s content strategy may shift toward more cost-effective formats, including digital-first productions. Layoffs Signal a Broader Trend in European Media The job cuts at Servus TV and Red Bull Media House come amid a wave of media industry restructurings across Europe, as companies grapple with declining ad revenues, rising production costs, and the growing dominance of streaming platforms. For Red Bull, the restructuring represents a broader shift from traditional broadcasting to digital storytelling, leveraging the brand’s massive global reach in sports, lifestyle, and entertainment. “This isn’t just about cost-cutting — it’s about repositioning for the future,” said media analyst Thomas Heigl. “Red Bull is refocusing on content that aligns more closely with its global sports and brand marketing ecosystem.” Servus TV’s Future Servus TV has been a cornerstone of Red Bull’s Austrian media presence since its launch in 2009, known for its cultural programs, documentaries, and coverage of Red Bull-sponsored events. However, as the company consolidates under Servus Media, it is expected to scale back certain local productions to reduce overlap and operational costs. While the network’s editorial independence and regional focus will likely remain, Red Bull’s new direction suggests a leaner, more digitally integrated future for the brand. Industry and Employee Reaction Reports indicate that notifications of the planned layoffs have already reached Austria’s public employment service (AMS). However, the company has not yet disclosed the exact distribution of job cuts across departments. Employee representatives have expressed concern over the reduction, urging management to ensure fair severance terms and internal …