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Corporate Economy Expressions Markets Leisure 02 March 1998   Nirma mulls open offer for Gujarat Heavy Chemicals Karsanbhai Patel of Nirma Ltd is understood to be on the prowl for a takeover. Among other things, the detergents major is said to be considering making an open offer to acquire a substantial stake in Gujarat Heavy Chemicals Ltd (GHCL), a company owned by Sanjay Dalmia.   RBI directs Peerless to submit revival plan by month-end The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has directed Peerless General Finance & Investment Ltd, the country's largest residuary non-banking company (RNBC), to submit a turnaround strategy by the end of the month. LIC, GIC to soon accept premium via cards The ministry of finance has asked Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) and General Insurance Corporation (GIC) to allow policy-holders to pay their premiums through credit cards. The move is a concerted bid to upgrade technology in the insurance industry. Plastic council pegs export growth at 25% till 2001 Export growth of plastics has been negative during the last two years for various reasons. Despite this, the Plastics Export Promotion Council (Plexconcil) has envisaged an export growth of 25 per cent during the next three years to 2001.   Ranbaxy's plan to unveil ranitidine in US cleared The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has cleared Ranbaxy Laboratories' anti-ulcer drug, ranitidine, for launch in the USA. Ranbaxy officials said at least 10 new drug applications will be filed by the company with the FDA during this year. Global Telesystems to place 3-lakh preference shares with Bajaj Auto Global Telesystems, a leading manufacturer of office automation gadgets, is placing 3 lakh redeemable cumulative preference shares with Bajaj Auto. The 12 per cent preference share offering issued at Rs 100 per share, follows redemption of 2 lakh preference shares held by the two-wheeler giant.     Time seen not ripe for universal banking   Bank association threat to go on warpath   Public sector outlay up 35.7%; energy gains most   Financial Briefing   Microsoft Money 98 awards scholarships to 10 college students   Kerala quietly buries cashew monopoly   PAL-Peugeot fate still mired in uncertainty   Great Eastern Hotel may break even by '98-99   Sharks gorge meek firms amid hustle and bustle of elections   Apple Credit income up, net profit declines   Indian Seamless promoters to step up stake through preferential issue   Jain family may sell Inox part-stake to US firm   Corporate Briefing