CCI Approves Major Merger in India's Packaging Sector

The Competition Commission of India has approved the merger of Indovida India Pvt Ltd with EPL Ltd. The merger aims to create a USD 2 billion entity, enhancing their presence in the packaging industry.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) on Tuesday approved the proposed merger of Indovida India Pvt Ltd with EPL Ltd.

In March this year, EPL Ltd and Indovida India Pvt Ltd announced a merger deal to form an entity with a combined valuation of USD 2 billion. The proposed combination entails the merger of Indovida India Pvt Ltd (Indovida India) with and into EPL Ltd (EPL) by way of absorption, CCI said in a release.

As part of the merger consideration, the merged entity, EPL, will issue and allot shares, on a proportionate basis, to the shareholders of Indovida India, it added. CCI approves the merger of Indovida India Pvt Ltd with and into EPL Ltd, the fair trade regulator said in a post on X.

Indovida India is a newly incorporated Indian entity and wholly-owned subsidiary of Indorama Netherlands BV (INBV). Indovida India and INBV are part of the group, comprising Indorama Ventures Public Company Ltd (IVL) and its affiliates (IVL Group). IVL Group is a global conglomerate with business interests in fibres, packaging, recycling and speciality chemicals.

EPL is engaged in the business of manufacturing and selling packaging products. In March this year, EPL Ltd, a global leader in flexible packaging solutions backed by Blackstone and Indovida India, said the merged entity will be one of the leading emerging markets-focused packaging companies with USD 1 billion of revenue. Deals beyond a certain threshold require approval from the regulator, which keeps a tab on unfair business practices and promotes fair competition in the marketplace.