CCI Approves Tata Steel's Acquisition Of 50.01% Stake In Thriveni Pellets

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved Tata Steel Limited's acquisition of 50.01% equity share capital in Thriveni Pellets Private Limited, holding that the transaction does not raise any appreciable adverse effect on competition in India, despite a limited horizontal overlap in the iron ore pellet market.

The clearance allows Tata Steel to acquire a majority stake in Thriveni Pellets from Thriveni Earthmovers Private Limited. The transaction was notified under the Competition Commission of India (Combinations) Regulations, 2024.

In its assessment, the Competition Watchdog noted that the parties have a limited horizontal overlap in the market for the manufacture and sale of iron ore pellets in India. It also recorded vertical relationships across the supply chain, including the mining of iron ore, the production and sale of iron ore pellets, and the downstream production and sale of sponge iron and crude or semi-finished steel products.

The Commission accepted the parties' submission that the acquisition does not raise any appreciable adverse effect on competition in any of the relevant markets in India.

Tata Steel Limited is a listed public company engaged in integrated steel manufacturing operations, ranging from mining to steelmaking and further processing. It produces steel and related products for sectors including agriculture, automotive, construction, energy, and infrastructure.

As of March 31, 2025, the Tata Steel Group comprised 126 subsidiaries, 23 joint ventures, and 18 associate companies globally.

Thriveni Pellets Private Limited is a private company engaged in the sale of iron ore pellets in India. Its wholly owned subsidiary, Brahmani River Pellets Limited, is engaged in the manufacture and sale of iron ore pellets in the countr