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Ambuja Cements Secures 37.8% Stake in OCL, Takes Control from CK Birla Group.

Economy Business | Dated: 25 Apr 2025

In April 2025, Mumbai-based Ambuja Cements, backed by the Adani Group, officially acquired control of Orient Cement Limited (OCL), which was previously managed by the CK Birla Group and headquartered in New Delhi.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - Ambuja Cements acquired 7.76 crore equity shares, representing 37.79% of OCL’s total shareholding, from its promoters. Additionally, it bought 1.82 crore shares (8.87%) from public shareholders, giving it a total stake of 46.66%, thus gaining full operational control over OCL.
  • - Following the change in ownership, several key figures from the CK Birla Group stepped down, including Chandrakant Birla, Amita Birla, and Desh Deepak Khetrapal. Additionally, four independent directors also resigned, marking a significant leadership shift.
  • - Ambuja Cements appointed new leadership to steer OCL forward. Vaibhav Dixit was named Executive Director (ED), Vinod Bahety as Chairman and Non-Executive Non-Independent Director, while Sudhir Nanavati, Shruti Shah, and Ravi Kapoor joined as Independent Directors. Kajal Sarda was appointed the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), replacing Prakash Chand Jain, effective April 23, 2025.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) Since its acquisition by the Adani Group in 2022 from Switzerland-based Holcim Group for Rs 51,000 crore, Ambuja Cements has aggressively expanded its footprint in the cement sector through multiple acquisitions and plant upgrades.
  • (ii) In June 2024, the Adani Group acquired Penna Cement Industries Ltd. (Hyderabad, Telangana) for Rs 10,422 crore, adding 14 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to its production capacity. In December 2024, it further expanded by purchasing Sanghi Industries Ltd. (Ahmedabad, Gujarat) for Rs 5,185 crore.
  • (iii) With these strategic acquisitions, the Adani Group aims to reach a cement production capacity of 140 MTPA by FY28. Meanwhile, UltraTech Cement, also backed by the Adani Group and based in Mumbai, continues to lead the market with a capacity of 183.06 MTPA.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Which Adani Group-backed company acquired a 37.79% stake in Orient Cement Limited (OCL) in April 2025?

Correct Answer: Ambuja Cements

🚀 Quick Recap:

About Ambuja Cements

  • Chairman : Gautam Adani
  • Headquartered : Mumbai