Adani’s resurgence: A $5-7 bn war chest for cement, ports, defence acquisitions
Live MintThe Adani group has created a war chest of $5-7 billion for acquisitions over the next six months, reviving an aggressive growth strategy that had defined the airports-to-electricity conglomerate before US-based short-seller Hindenburg Research hit it with its alarming allegations. Two people directly aware of the Adani group’s plans said the conglomerate plans to acquire companies primarily in cement, airports, defence, ports, power, and consumer goods this financial year. The Adani group’s acquisition strategy seeks to capitalise on the rising demand in the infrastructure and building materials space; India’s emphasis on becoming self-reliant in defence capabilities; the country’s ambitions to compete with China in the international trade route connecting India with West Asia, Africa and Europe; India’s growing need for energy, and increasing consumer demand for ready-to-cook edibles and spices, according to the two persons familiar with the group’s plans. The Adani group’s acquisition plans also include takeovers of companies through Adani Power Ltd, Adani Enterprises Ltd, and its fast-moving consumer goods subsidiary Adani Wilmar Ltd, the first person said. The Adani group also owns ACC Ltd. “We can expect in the next six months to one year the total capacity of Adani Cement to be around 120 mtpa," this person said.