India: The Mumbai bench of the National Company Law Tribunal has approved Vadraj Cement’s acquisition by Nirma Group-owned cement producer Nuvoco Vistas. Gujarat-based Vadraj Cement, formerly owned by ABG Shipyard, has admitted liabilities of US$1.1bn, while Nuvoco Vistas proposes to pay US$209m to acquire the company through the bankruptcy process.
Vadraj Cement operates grinding units in Surat, with a total capacity of 6Mt/yr, and a clinker plant of 3.5Mt/yr in Kutch, which mostly supplies the grinding plants. All assets are located in the state of Gujarat. The acquisition will increase Nuvoco Vistas’ cement capacity to around 31Mt/yr, making it the fifth-largest cement producer in India by installed capacity.
Nuvoco Vistas won an auction for the business against other bidders, including JK Cement, JSW Cement, KIFS, RKG Fund and Orissa Metaliks.
