Reliance Defence and Engineering Limited (BSE:533107), Shapoorji Pallonji & Company Limited and Liberty House Limited have shown interest in buying debt-ridden ABG Shipyard Limited (BSE:532682). Rothschild is advising the company on its sale plan, while SBI Capital Markets Ltd is helping it invite bids from interested parties. In a written reply to a query, Dhananjay L. Datar, executive director at ABG Shipyard said these requests to buy a controlling stake are currently under consideration with the lenders.

"We have received preliminary interest from Reliance Defence, Shapoorji, M/s Liberty House, UK. These requests are under consideration with lenders. Lenders and SBI Caps (SBI Capital) will be calling for proposals from prospective investors and the process will kick in," Datar said.

When contacted, Reliance Defence spokesperson denied having any interest in ABG Shipyard. Email and calls to Liberty House Group remain unanswered. "We regularly evaluate opportunities in the port and marine infrastructure space which are brought to us.

However, there is no proposal from us at this stage on the aforesaid asset," said Shapoorji Pallonji & Co Ltd.