Mumbai: Ambuja Cements, part of the Adani Group, announces the acquisition of Orient Cement Ltd. (OCL) at an equity value of Rs 8,100 crore, marking a significant step towards its goal of 100+ MTPA operational capacity by FY25. The deal involves the purchase of a 46.8 per cent stake in OCL, enhancing Ambuja’s presence in the Indian cement market while expanding its sustainability footprint.
The acquisition adds 16.6 MTPA of capacity (8.5 MTPA operational and 8.1 MTPA ready for execution), strengthening Ambuja’s competitive edge in core markets and increasing pan-India market share by 2 per cent. OCL’s strategic assets, including 5.6 MTPA clinker capacity, efficient plants, and renewable energy initiatives, complement Adani Group’s existing cement footprint.
Ambuja Cements director, Karan Adani commented, “This timed acquisition marks another significant step forward in Ambuja Cements’ accelerated growth journey, increasing cement capacity by ~30 MTPA within two years of Ambuja’s acquisition. By acquiring OCL, Ambuja is poised to reach 100 MTPA cement capacity in FY25. The acquisition will help to expand Adani Cement’s presence in core markets and improve its pan-India market share by 2 per cent. OCL’s assets are highly efficient, equipped with railway sidings and well supported by captive power plants, renewable energy, WHRS, and AFR facilities. OCL’s strategic locations, high-quality limestone reserves, and requisite statutory approvals present an opportunity to increase cement capacity in the near term to 16.6 MTPA.”
Strategic Advantages and Expansion Plans
– Enhanced Capacity and Market Reach: The acquisition provides potential for 6 MTPA additional capacity in North India, leveraging OCL’s high-quality limestone reserves in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan.
– Sustainability Initiatives: OCL recently commissioned a Waste Heat Recovery System (WHRS) in Chittapur, with plans to finalise 16 MW solar capacity at the same location and 3.7 MW solar in Jalgaon.
– Operational Efficiency and Logistics: OCL’s assets, including 95 MW Captive Power Plants (CPP) and railway sidings, will reduce lead distances and logistics costs.
Orient Cement, chairman, CK Birla said, “The CK Birla Group is continuously reallocating capital to sharpen its focus on consumer-centric, technology-driven, and service-based businesses. We are confident that the Adani Group, with its strong focus on cement and infrastructure, is the ideal new owner to drive continued growth at Orient Cement for our people and stakeholders.”
With a focus on capacity optimisation, Ambuja aims to improve OCL’s cost efficiency and operating performance while leveraging synergies with its existing cement operations.