The government has received a request for extension of the last date for submission and opening of financial bids for the state- owned helicopter company, Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd (PHHL), till March 15, a senior government official said on Tuesday, which was the last date for submission and opening of the bids. “The transaction advisor to the government has sought the extension as some of the shortlisted bidders have sought the extension. The request is being examined,” a senior government official said. The official declined to say how many bidders had been shortlisted.
Even after the bids are opened it could take some time before the identity of the highest bidder emerges as the process involves considering a variety of parameters to decide on the winning bid.
On the issue if bidders have agreed to pick up a financial liability which is pending against the company, the official merely said “all papers related to the balance sheet and audited accounts of PHHL were made available to the shortlisted bidders”.