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Ambuja Cements seeks CCI approval to acquire majority stake in Orient

Ambuja Cements’ stake would rise to 72.8 per cent, as per the notice filed with the CCI.

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Billionaire Gautam Adani-led Ambuja Cements has sought approval from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) for the acquisition of a majority stake in CK Birla group firm Orient Cement in a deal worth Rs 81 billion.

According to a notice from the CCI, the proposed transaction involves a two-stage acquisition process, which was initiated through two share purchase agreements (SPAs) on October 22, 2024. As part of the deal, Ambuja Cements will initially acquire a 46.80 per cent stake in Orient Cement. This includes a 37.90 per cent stake from the current promoter group and an additional 8.90 per cent from certain public shareholders.

The notice further stated that following the acquisition of shares, an obligation would be triggered for the acquirer to make an open offer under the Sebi’s SAST (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) rules, aimed at acquiring up to 26 per cent of the expanded share capital of the target company. If the open offer is fully accepted, Ambuja Cements’ stake would rise to 72.8 per cent, as per the notice filed with the CCI.

In October, the Adani Group, led by Gautam Adani, had announced the signing of a binding agreement to acquire Orient Cement (OCL) at an equity value of Rs 81 billion. This acquisition would increase Adani Cement’s capacity by 16.6 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), which is operated through Ambuja Cements.

Ambuja Cements, part of the diversified Adani Group, is a leading cement and building materials company in India. It operates 22 integrated cement plants, 10 bulk cement terminals, and 21 grinding units across the country.

Concrete

Cement Firms to Invest Rs. 130 bn in Green Energy by FY28

Cement companies plan to expand clean energy capacity to 6 GW by FY28

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India’s major cement companies are set to raise their clean energy capacity to 6 GW by March 2028 from around 4 GW at the end of March 2026, according to ratings agency ICRA. The planned expansion is expected to involve investments of Rs. 130 bn over the next two years.

The additional capacity could generate annual savings of Rs. 62 bn to Rs. 67 bn, resulting in an estimated payback period of 1.8 to 2.2 years. Cement is an emission-intensive industry, and leading producers have established net-zero roadmaps covering the next 15 to 20 years.

The calcination process accounts for 57 to 60 per cent of the sector’s total emissions, while fuel combustion contributes 27 to 30 per cent and electricity consumption accounts for 10 to 13 per cent. ICRA said the figures highlighted the need for a broad decarbonisation strategy involving green power, blended cement, alternative fuels and improvements in clinker efficiency.

Green energy is considered one of the most commercially attractive decarbonisation options because it can reduce emissions while lowering operating costs. Every 5 per cent increase in green power replacement can reduce power and fuel costs by Rs. 15 to Rs. 16 per tonne. A 25 per cent replacement level could therefore save Rs. 75 to Rs. 80 per tonne and expand operating margins by 140 to 160 basis points.

Cement producers are also assessing carbon capture, utilisation and storage, although high implementation costs, energy requirements and limited transport and storage infrastructure are expected to slow commercial adoption. The government has proposed Rs. 200 bn over five years to support deployment across key sectors. Meanwhile, companies are targeting thermal substitution rates of 10 to 15 per cent over the next three to five years, compared with the current industry level of around 6 per cent.

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Centre Defers Clearance for Limestone Mine Near Bustard Habitat

Panel seeks revised mining plan and safeguards for pipelines and wildlife

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The Centre has deferred environmental clearance for a proposed limestone mine near a Great Indian Bustard habitat in Ramgarh, Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district. The critically endangered species has an estimated wild population of about 130 in India.

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Telangana to Supply Subsidised Cement for Indiramma Houses

Poor families allotted Indiramma houses to receive cement at Rs. 230 per bag

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The Telangana government will supply cement at a subsidised price of Rs. 230 per 50-kg bag to poor and low-income families allotted Indiramma houses. The prevailing market price is between Rs. 310 and Rs. 320 per bag, the Assembly was informed on Thursday.

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