The Competition Commission of India approves a merger subject to remedies between two global players in the business of manufacture and retail of cement (Holcim / Lafarge)

Introduction Following one year of rigorous investigation and review process, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the Holcim-Lafarge merger on 30 March, 2015 [1]. CCI granted the final approval subject to the incorporation of certain remedies to the proposed merger. The merger involved two global players in the business of manufacture and sale of cement and other construction materials operating through their subsidiaries in India. While Lafarge is a global producer of cement and other construction material such as RMC, aggregates, asphalt, pre-cast concrete products, etc.; Holcim operates through two indirect subsidiaries in India - ACC Limited (ACC) and Ambuja Cements Limited (ACL). The latter is also involved in the product segments of cement, RMC and aggregates [2].