Concrete

ACC-Ambuja: Know about the cement industry?s most anticipated bidding

Cement leaders have been aggressively running to grab the Holcim assets

Published

5 years ago

April 29, 2022

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As tension mounts and speculations continue being made, the Indian cement industry has been closely watching the progress of Holcim Group?s exit from the country. The Swiss giant set off a whirlwind by putting its two listed cement arms ? ACC and Ambuja ? out in the market to evaluate options for their stake sale.

Holcim holds a 63.19 per cent share in Ambuja and 4.48 per cent in ACC, which is an Ambuja subsidiary. Ambuja additionally holds its own stake of 50.05 per cent in ACC. Holcim Group?s global cement capacity as of the current financial year is 293 mtpa with around 24 per cent of its total capacities housed in India. Ambuja?s current reported grinding capacity is 31.4 mtpa with plans to expand capacity to 39.9 mtpa by 2024, while ACC?s has been calculated at 34.9 mtpa to be increased to 39.7 mtpa by the first half of the next year.

These numbers mean that any player who manages to take over both ACC and Ambuja will be adding a combined pan-India capacity of 66 mtpa, promptly shooting any global player to a second position.

The contenders

The world?s largest cement maker reportedly has been believed to have held early-stage negotiations with JSW Cement and Adani Group to gauge their interests in this acquisition, with news reports indicating UltraTech as another formidable contender in this race. Apart from these, a few regional players such as Shree Cement have been approached as well.

JSW Cement has a grinding capacity of approximately 15 mtpa. It primarily depends on imported clinkers since its present clinker capacity is 3.2 mtpa only. Shiva Cement, a JSW subsidiary, will increase its clinker capacity by 1.36 mtpa and cement capacity by 1 mtpa.

UltraTech has a consolidated capacity of 119.95 mtpa while Adani does not have a presence in the cement market as of date, but has been planning its foray into the cement industry under its subsidiary Adani Cement Industries formed in July 2021.

Shree Cement?s grinding capacity is 46.4 mtpa and has been consistent in its capacity additions, however, it has done only one acquisition in the domestic market and may reportedly face regulatory hurdles if it shows its interest in this deal.

The investment

Ambuja?s market capitalisation is Rs 764.77 billion and that of ACC?s is Rs 433.89 billion, together making the companies? total market cap at Rs 1.20 trillion. If signed, this deal stands to reportedly be one of the largest in the country.

The bids for the two assets are expected to be upwards of $10 billion. As Motilal Oswal?s recent cement sector update report mentions, ?Holcim will prefer a cash deal and not a share swap if it has plans to exit the Indian operations. This acquisition will require a huge investment by the acquirer and will make the complete exit a tall task.? The report adds that the acquirer will have to give an open offer in both the companies. The huge investments may lead to leveraging of the acquirer?s balance sheet, which generally is not favoured for a cyclical business.

Recent developments point out that JSW Cement has a couple of US private equity funds keen on this opportunity backing its funding, while Adani has reportedly tied up with multiple foreign banks such as Deutsche Bank and Barclays and domestic banks such as ICICI Bank and Axis Bank for funding the deal.

Benefits to the sector

This deal, if it goes through, should be positive for the sector in the near-to-medium term as the acquirer might not chase growth CAPEX immediately, the Motilal Oswal report observes. ?Acquisition by the Adani group, if it happens, may also alleviate concerns of an entry of a new aggressive player in the sector as the group?s immediate focus will be on streamlining the operations in the near term. In the long run, however, sector dynamics would depend on the growth plans and aggressiveness of the acquirer.?

ACC has undertaken expansion plans in the Central markets, whereas Ambuja has recently announced its expansion plans in the East. Holcim will obtain 1 per cent of the turnover of ACC and Ambuja as technology and know-how fees.

Everyone involved in the divestment, however, continues to be tightlipped. With a portfolio as impressive as Holcim?s, the industry awaits the results of perhaps the most anticipated and aggressive bidding the Indian cement industry has seen in recent times.

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Dhanekula Institute Signs MoU with Adani Cement

Agreement to expand internships, industrial visits and practical learning

Published

21 hours ago

November 5, 2026

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The Department of Civil Engineering at Dhanekula Institute of Engineering & Technology, Ganguru, organised an industrial interaction programme under the Adani FutureX Programme on Thursday. The programme focused on strengthening engagement between the institute and the cement industry while giving students greater exposure to professional practices.

Yedukondalu, technical head for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana at Adani Cement, delivered a technical lecture on concrete as a man-made material. The session covered the importance of concrete in construction, its properties and applications, and its significance in modern infrastructure development.

The lecture also addressed the role of quality cement and suitable concrete technology in supporting durable and sustainable construction. The discussion connected classroom learning with the technical considerations involved in infrastructure projects and construction practices.

A key part of the programme was the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Department of Civil Engineering and Adani Cement under the Adani FutureX Partnership Agreement. The agreement is intended to strengthen industry-academia collaboration through opportunities for student internships and industrial visits.

The initiative is expected to provide students with practical exposure, improve their understanding of industrial practices and help bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications. Dhanekula Institute Chairman Dhanekula Ravindranath Tagore, Secretary Dhanekula Venkata Bhavani Prasad and Director DKRK Ravi Prasad supported the initiative, with the institute leadership highlighting the importance of industry-institution interaction in enhancing students’ technical employability.

Concrete

JK Lakshmi Cement Begins Rs. 110 bn Assam Plant Project

Project Kamakshi will produce 2.5 mn t of cement annually by FY2029.

Published

21 hours ago

November 5, 2026

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JK Lakshmi Cement has laid the foundation stone for Project Kamakshi, its first integrated cement manufacturing facility in Assam, marking the company’s entry into Northeast India. The groundbreaking ceremony took place at Umrangso village in Dima Hasao district in the presence of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

The project involves an investment of Rs. 110 bn, including the mining lease. It will have annual cement production capacity of 2.5 mn t and a 1 mn t clinkerisation unit, with completion scheduled for FY2029.

The facility is expected to create more than 2,000 jobs and will primarily serve the growing Northeast market. It will also include dedicated railway sidings for transporting raw materials and finished cement, supporting supply chain reliability and regional distribution.

Chairperson and Managing Director Vinita Singhania said the project represented the beginning of a long-term relationship with Assam and the wider Northeast. She said the plant would help provide locally produced cement, employment and dependable supplies as the region’s infrastructure development accelerated, while enabling the company to grow alongside the communities it serves.

The investment supports JK Lakshmi Cement’s strategy of expanding into high-growth markets beyond its established presence in Northern, Western and Eastern India. The company expects the project to contribute to regional economic development and infrastructure growth while pursuing its long-term objective of achieving net-zero emissions by 2047.

Concrete

Kshatriya Engineering College Signs MoU with Adani Cement

Agreement to provide students with industrial exposure and training

Published

21 hours ago

November 5, 2026

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The civil engineering department of Kshatriya Engineering College in Nizamabad has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Adani Cement to provide students with industry-oriented training and practical exposure. The agreement is intended to connect classroom learning with workplace requirements in the construction sector.

Under the partnership, students will receive opportunities to take part in industrial visits and internships. The arrangement will also include guest lectures by industry experts and guidance on live projects, allowing students to gain first-hand understanding of industry practices and emerging construction technologies.

College secretary and correspondent Aljapur Devender said the initiative was designed to bridge the gap between academic instruction and industry expectations. He said the collaboration would help students develop practical skills and improve their employment prospects after completing their studies.

Principal Dr Katakam Srinivas said exposure to industrial practices was important for civil engineering students and would complement their academic learning. He said the MoU would support the development of their technical knowledge and confidence through greater familiarity with professional work environments.

Administrative officer B. Narender said the collaboration would familiarise students with modern construction technologies, quality standards and project management practices. Civil engineering department head N. Deepika said the agreement would help students understand recent developments in the construction sector and prepare for professional careers. The college said the partnership would give learners a broader view of the processes and standards followed in the industry, while helping them relate their academic studies to practical project requirements.