Global financial entities like Citigroup, Merrill Lynch, and DE Shaw are poised to infuse approximately Rs 2,000 crore, equating to around $500 million, into DLF Assets’ (DAL) real estate investment trust (REIT), as reported by sources close to the deal. This transaction is anticipated to reach completion by the end of next week. As a subsidiary of the DLF Group, the leading real estate developer in India, DAL specializes in the acquisition and management of office spaces. Currently, ownership of DAL rests with DLF promoters, with no equity stake retained by the publicly listed company itself. However, future plans entail DLF also contributing $750 million, or Rs 3,000 crore, to the REIT initiative. Initially, DAL had aimed to publicly list its REIT but has now shifted its strategy toward a private placement model. A spokesperson from DLF opted not to comment, citing that regulations in the Singapore market prohibit any comments while under review for the listing application of the REIT by regulatory authorities. Originally, DLF Assets aimed to raise $2 billion through its vehicle named DLF Office Trust. Nonetheless, in light of the current downturn in global financial markets, DAL has hit the pause button on its intentions to list the REIT. Meanwhile, it proceeds with its fundraising approach via private placement. According to insider sources, DLF Office Trust will transition into a private trust format, exclusively obtaining funds from institutional investors. Differing from public trusts, private trusts are not traded publicly and do not involve retail investor participation; initially, DLF had intended for 10% of its REIT to comprise retail investors.