+
UltraTech enters race to buy Holcim’s stake in Ambuja Cement, ACC
Cement

UltraTech enters race to buy Holcim’s stake in Ambuja Cement, ACC

UltraTech Cement of the Aditya Birla group has formally joined the race to acquire Swiss cement giant Holcim’s stake in Ambuja Cement and ACC Limited.

Gautam Adani-owned Adani Group, and Sajjan Jindal’s JSW group jumped into the race to acquire control that would instantly boost their position in the cement market.

On Wednesday, Ambuja Cements' shares opened in the green at Rs 360.80 apiece on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), while the ACC scrip rose to Rs 2,207 apiece. The Aditya Birla Group is ready to divest voluntary assets of approximately 15 million tonnes per annum (mtpa), as a solution to comply with market share norms.

India’s antitrust body, the Competition Commission of India (CCI), has provided long-form merger notifications in eight out of 16 cement agreements since 2011. Of these eight, UltraTech independently had filed for five since 2013 with the CCI.

UltraTech was optimistic about getting the antitrust regulator’s green signal.

CCI lawyers are of the view that if firms can come up with possible solutions, approvals can come in as early as 30 working days. All five Aditya Birla Group cement agreements have been approved within the 30-working day period – also known as phase I approvals.

However, in phase II approvals, the regulator can take up to 210 calendar days from the time of obtaining the application to clear a proposal, if no corrective measures are provided.

Birla will volunteer a remedial plan involving divesting assets for a fast phase I approval.

Given the strong market presence of both players coupled with the oligopolistic nature of the industry, the CCI will generally concentrate on the combined market shares of parties, the extent of barriers to access in the market, and the position of their competitors in the market.

Image Source

Also read: JSW, Adani set to battle for Holcim's India cement assets

UltraTech Cement of the Aditya Birla group has formally joined the race to acquire Swiss cement giant Holcim’s stake in Ambuja Cement and ACC Limited. Gautam Adani-owned Adani Group, and Sajjan Jindal’s JSW group jumped into the race to acquire control that would instantly boost their position in the cement market. On Wednesday, Ambuja Cements' shares opened in the green at Rs 360.80 apiece on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), while the ACC scrip rose to Rs 2,207 apiece. The Aditya Birla Group is ready to divest voluntary assets of approximately 15 million tonnes per annum (mtpa), as a solution to comply with market share norms. India’s antitrust body, the Competition Commission of India (CCI), has provided long-form merger notifications in eight out of 16 cement agreements since 2011. Of these eight, UltraTech independently had filed for five since 2013 with the CCI. UltraTech was optimistic about getting the antitrust regulator’s green signal. CCI lawyers are of the view that if firms can come up with possible solutions, approvals can come in as early as 30 working days. All five Aditya Birla Group cement agreements have been approved within the 30-working day period – also known as phase I approvals. However, in phase II approvals, the regulator can take up to 210 calendar days from the time of obtaining the application to clear a proposal, if no corrective measures are provided. Birla will volunteer a remedial plan involving divesting assets for a fast phase I approval. Given the strong market presence of both players coupled with the oligopolistic nature of the industry, the CCI will generally concentrate on the combined market shares of parties, the extent of barriers to access in the market, and the position of their competitors in the market. Image Source Also read: JSW, Adani set to battle for Holcim's India cement assets

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

NABARD Holds Seminar on Vigilance, Integrity and Good Governance

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) organised a seminar on “Vigilance: Strengthening Integrity and Good Governance” on 25 August 2026 at its Head Office in Mumbai as part of the ongoing Vigilance Awareness Campaign 2026 being observed from 17 August to 16 November 2026, with the theme “Probity for Prosperity."" The seminar was graced by Suresh N Patel, Former Central Vigilance Commissioner, Government of India, as the chief guest and keynote speaker.  The programme was attended by G S Rawat, Deputy Managing Director, Dr Ajay K Sood, Deputy Managing Dire..

Next Story
Equipment

XCMG Unveils World's First 14,000-Ton Ring Crane for Heavy Lifting

XCMG has announced that the first main unit of the world's first 14,000-ton ring crane has rolled off the production line, marking a historic breakthrough in ultra-heavy lifting technology. Jointly developed by XCMG and Sinopec Heavy Lifting & Transportation Co., Ltd., the crane will be the largest-capacity ring crane ever built, setting a new benchmark for major construction projects worldwide.The crane features a modular configuration comprising two main units that work in tandem. The first main unit has completed final assembly and can independently perform lifting operations. Once both..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Thriveni Logistics orders 200 tip trailers from Jagdamba trailers

Jagdamba Trailers (JTPL), one of India’s growing trailer manufacturers, has secured a significant order for 200 Tip Trailers from Thriveni Transport and Logistics Pvt. Ltd., a leading mining and logistics company serving operations across India and overseas.The order, placed for iron ore transportation, is a major milestone for JTPL, particularly as the company secured the business after competing with more than 10 established trailer manufacturers. It also strengthens an already successful relationship between the two companies. Approximately one and a half years ago, Thriveni Transport and..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code