Major deals in India's cement sector since Adani Group's entry in 2022

Dealmaking in India's cement sector is in the spotlight again, after Ambuja Cements said on Tuesday it will buy a near-47 per cent stake in smaller rival Orient Cement for $451 million (approx. Rs 3,792. 20 crore).

Billionaire Gautam Adani's conglomerate is locked in a fierce battle with UltraTech Cement as the rivals snap up smaller firms in a bid to capitalise on expectations of heavy government spending on infrastructure.

Here is a timeline of some of the major deals announced in the sector since Adani's foray in 2022:

Adani Group-Holcim AG, May 2022:

Adani Group entered the Indian cement sector by buying Ambuja Cements and ACC from Swiss construction material giant Holcim for $10.5 billion (roughly Rs 88,285.81 crore).

The deal remains the country's biggest in the cement sector.

Dalmia Bharat-Jaiprakash Associates, December 2022:

Dalmia Bharat bought cement and other assets of Jaiprakash Associates for $687 million (around Rs 5,776. 41 crore) to strengthen its presence in India's central region.

Sagar Cements-Andhra Cements, February 2023:

A company tribunal approved Sagar Cements' $9.20 billion (approx. Rs 77, 355.19 crore) bid to take over Jaypee Group-owned Andhra Cements .

Ambuja Cements-Sanghi Industries, August 2023:

Ambuja Cements bought a 83 per cent stake in debt-laden Sanghi Industries for $295 million (around Rs 2,480. 41 crore) in August 2023 - Adani Group's first major deal after US short seller Hindenburg's report in January of the year.

Ultratech Cement-Kesoram Industries, November 2023:

UltraTech bought cement assets of Kesoram Industries in a $645 million (approx. Rs 5,423.27 crore) deal to boost its hold in the country's southern region.

Ambuja Cements-Penna Cement Industries, June 2024:

Ambuja bought out Penna Cement Industries in a $1.25 billion (roughly Rs 10,510.21 crore) deal. The deal likely lifted Ambuja to among the top three players in south India, analysts have estimated.

Ultratech Cement-India Cements, July 2024:

UltraTech inked a deal worth $472 million (approx. Rs 3,968.65 crore) to gain control of India Cements, after initially buying a 23 per cent stake for $228 million (around Rs 1,917.06 crore).