Dr Reddy's Laboratories has informed the exchanges that First State Investment Management (UK), on its own behalf and First State Investments International Ltd, has picked up 0.124 per cent stake, including ADRs.

Following the acquisition, the UK Group’s holding increased from 4.91 per cent to 5.037 per cent.

The stake was increased by purchasing 1,58,810 shares and 52,735 warrants/convertible securities in the open market on January 28, the Hyderabad-based company informed the Bombay Stock Exchange on Wednesday.

The stock was trading down 0.22 per cent at Rs 1,937.75 on the BSE in morning trade.

At the end of December 2012, promoters held 25.56 per cent stake in the company while FII and DII stake were at 26.17 per cent and 13.98 per cent. Others, including retail investors, have an exposure of 34.29 per cent stake in the pharma major.

>badrinarayanan.ks@thehindu.co.in

>naga.gunturi@thehindu.co.in