CCI Approves ITC’s Acquisition of Aditya Birla Real Estate’s Paper & Pulp Business as a Going Concern
Both companies are major listed entities with diversified operations, and the deal positions ITC to further strengthen its paperboards and speciality papers portfolio. A detailed order of the Commission will be issued separately
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved ITC Limited’s acquisition of the paper and pulp manufacturing business of Aditya Birla Real Estate Limited (ABREL), marking a notable development in India’s paper, packaging, and allied industries. The approval pertains to the transfer of ABREL’s paper and pulp business to ITC as a going concern, executed under a Business TransferAgreement between the two listed entities.
According to the announcement, the “Target Business” comprises the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of a wide range of paper and paperboard products in India. These include uncoated writing and printing paper such as creamwove, maplitho, and copier grades, as well as kraft paper, virgin multilayer boards, tissue paper, cup stock, stiffener paper, and other specialty grades.
Complete Blueprint for Preparing Project Reports, click here
The business forms a significant part of ABREL’s diversified portfolio, which spans real estate and pulp and paper manufacturing and is housed within the broader Aditya Birla Group.
ITC Limited, one of India’s largest conglomerates, operates across multiple sectors, including fast‑moving consumer goods, paperboards and packaging, agri‑business, and information technology.
Its paperboards and specialty papers division is a key contributor to its integrated value chain, supplying high‑quality materials for packaging, printing, and industrial applications. The acquisition of ABREL’s paper and pulp business is expected to further strengthen ITC’s position in the domestic paper and packaging market, enabling it to expand capacity, diversify product offerings, and enhance supply chain efficiencies.
The CCI’s approval indicates that the transaction does not raise competition concerns under the Competition Act, 2002. Given the fragmented nature of India’s paper and paperboard industry,with numerous regional manufacturers and a mix of integrated and non‑integrated players, the acquisition is unlikely to adversely affect market competition. Instead, it may contribute to improved scale, technology adoption, and product innovation within the sector.
Support our journalism by subscribing to Taxscan premium. Follow us on Telegram for quick updates
