Buzz: Welspun Goenkas set for Alibaug wedding | Economic Times

ET’s weekly roundup of the wackiest whispers and murmurs in corporate corridors & policy parloursRetaining GoodwillWith the government burying the retro tax, India Inc wants to know if the finance ministry will review its decision on the accounting of ‘goodwill’ and reverse the extra tax burden. Chances are it may be disappointed. Promptly responding to a query on a WhatsApp group— comprising senior tax practitioners, tribunal members, and CBDT members — a CBDT official quipped that “the matter was not even worthy of discussion.” Also, in the course of the weekend chat, the official in question said he was against retired babus disclosing discussions within the government —hinting at former DEA secretary Arvind Mayaram’s recent article on the ‘inside story’ of retro tax.His StoryThe story of any organisation, particularly a media house, that has survived over a century can be a fascinating, untold slice of history. One had a glimpse of it last fortnight when senior lawyer and author Berjis Desai spoke on the occasion of Gujarati daily Mumbai Samachar entering its 200th year. Employing his characteristic, understated humour, Desai spoke of the brave and colourful cast of Parsi gentlemen who battled debts and bankruptcy to lead the paper where he was once a journalist. Unfortunately, there is very little in the paper about the Parsis in the past few years, he said. Perhaps something to ponder over at the start of the Parsi new year.Address ThisThe secluded sea-facing address with swimming pools, tea gardens, cave, multiple dance floors was the A-list party address for years till it wasn’t. Then this summer, it was back in the headlines. With a nine-digit price tag it was by far the most expensive real estate transaction in Goa, scooped up by an industrialist family from the south. But it turns out their plan of renovating the villa into a chic boutique wellness hotel may have to wait a bit longer as the transaction has run into rough weather. Creditors to the erstwhile flamboyant owner have cropped up, seeking their pound of flesh. It’s all getting settled, claim our friends from the sunshine state, but for sure one can do without these irritants. But then again, what’s life without some drama?Exit InterviewHaving put in his papers, this senior official from this techfocused shadow bank wanted a quick exit, eager to hit the ground running at his new organisation. Alas, that was not to be as his big boss has been dragging his feet we hear. What’s the big deal you may ask – this is quite commonplace across the board. We thought so too till we found out the possible reason. Turns out the boss has once again woken up to the idea of merging his organisation with a bank, having lost out in the race to take over a small private lender recently. He’s already made a fresh application with the regulator but fears an exit from a strategic post such as this would harm his prospects significantly. The poor exec is thus being held up as collateral damage.Design ThinkingThe new SUV launch last week saw some interesting reactions from the trade but most were rather piqued by the uncanny resemblance of the new logo with at least two other rival models. Most are speculating that this perhaps is the handiwork of a top designer who has joined the SUV major from competition. Fortunately, we are not hearing about serious heartburn over IPs as yet, but everyone is joking that perhaps this change would make the lady luck smile once again, helping the company shore up its falling market share.Wedding BellsAfter a long dry spell, the big business shaadi season is limping back — one baraat at a time. Welspun’s Goenka family is over the moon we hear. Deepali and BK’s daughter Vanshika is getting married. The groom is from London, is what a family friend told us in between trousseau shopping. The Goenka home in Alibaug has become quite the talk of the town. Quite certain the wedding too will keep the paps busy.Talent HuntPE firms are always looking for top-tier talent for their portfolio companies. So, fresh on the heels of this former FMCG boss joining this heavily funded consumer tech startup as the CEO, a little bird from the search industry tells us another is on the radar of leading firms. His CV, with stints at some of the biggest global brands, is worth giving an arm and leg for but we thought he’s well settled in his current role. But then again, who doesn’t like a new adventure, especially if you are tied to the same chair for nearly a decade.