It is learnt that Strides Arcolab (Q,N,C,F)* is exploring stake sale in its businesses that are being hived off into three separate entities, reports Economic Times.

Investment bankers, acting on behalf Strides, have indicated merger and acquisition (M&A) interest on the part of the promoter group for its speciality pharma and R&D units.

The company is also considering selling stake in the branded-generics pharmaceutical company.

These fresh moves by Strides Arcolab is still in early stages, and a large New York-based financial advisory firm, which has been working with the management, is yet to launch a formal process for exploring investor interest.

Shares of the company closed up Rs 0.25, or 0.2%, at Rs 122.45. The total volume of shares traded at the BSE was 53,844 (Monday).