** Shares of India's Raymond RYMD.NS up as much as 2.93%
at 1,866.55 rupees, highest since Sept. 22
** Co announced Raymond Group to buy majority stake in
automotive firm Maini Precision Products MAIP.NS for a near
$82 mln deal
** Deal marks textile maker's foray into aerospace, defense
and EV components business, co adds
** More than 288,471 shares changed hands by 12:35 p.m. IST,
1.3x 30-day avg
** All 5 analysts eyeing the stock rate it "strong buy",
median TP is 2,346.50 rupees - LSEG data
** Stock last up 2.3%, taking YTD gains to over 26%
(Reporting by Hritam Mukherjee in Bengaluru)
((Hritam.Mukherjee@thomsonreuters.com;))