cement companies in India, which are on an expansion spree, have found a helping hand in private equity (PE) firms for funding their business plans. In the last couple of months, the industry has witnessed high demand for PE funding.In one of the largest PE deals this year, Baring Private Equity Asia has invested about $260 million (Rs 1,440 crore today) in Lafarge India for a 14 per cent stake in the cement firm. The funding from Baring Asia will be used to double Lafarge India’s capacity at its Chhattisgarh plant.Another company that is in discussion for fund-raising is Heidelberg Cement India, a subsidiary of German multinational Heidelberg Cement. According to reports, Bain Capital is conducting a due diligence to pick about 10 per cent in Heidelberg Cement India.