PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) India is set to spin-off its global offshore delivery centres in Bangalore and Kolkata into a new joint venture with PwC,US, from January 2010. The move aims at scaling up its offshore consulting operations in India with direct involvement of leaders from PwC, US.

Ambarish Dasgupta, partner-director and a member of the firm’s global leadership team is likely to head the new joint venture. Responding to queries from Financial Chronicle, PwC said, “We do not comment on market speculation.” Meanwhile, Sharat Bansal has taken over as the new head of the firm’s consulting (advisory) practices in India, replacing Ashwani Puri, who is learnt to have been relieved with effect from April 30, 2010.

Confirming the developments, PwC said, “We can confirm that Sharat Bansal, executive director PwC, has taken over as the India head of advisory practice from Ashwani Puri. Ashwani continues as an executive director.” Although in an official communiqué to all the partners, PwC India chairman Ramesh Rajan said that Puri would continue in the firm till April 30, 2010.

PwC is also transferring six international audit partners to the Indian practice to enhance the quality of audit. Nirmalya Gupta has taken over as the system & process audit head, in place of Sanjay Sen, who has joined Deloitte.

Responding to a questionnaire, Price Waterhouse said, “We believe in maintaining the highest standards of service for our clients at all times. We would not like to detail every measure being taken internally nor comment on market speculation.”

Meanwhile a PwC insider told Financial Chronicle, “All these moves are being initiated after the recent visit of PwC’s global chairman and CEO Dennis Nally to bring back momentum and integrity in PwC India. Some more changes may be in the offing.”