Aditi Singh 
The Adani Group has always considered diversification of its portfolio as a part of its business strategy. Over the years, it has expanded its reach over multiple sectors like ports, airports, logistics, food processing, etc. Currently, it has been increasing its hold in the cement sector. This is seen as a major step taken by the Adani Group to expand its territories and streamline its value chain. Even though there were rumours of Adani crony capitalism, the Adani Group never backed out of its goal of acquiring control over some of the major sectors of the world.
Adani Group’s Active Interest in The Jaypee Shahabad Cement Plant:
The Adani Group has recently indicated an interest in acquiring the Shahabad Cement Plant in Karnataka from the Jaiprakash Associates, which currently has an operating capacity of 1.2 million tonnes annually. Jaiprakash Associates is an integral part of the Jaypee Group. It is also a very important player in the cement industry of India. The Jaypee Shahabad Cement Plant is one of the most crucial assets of Jaiprakash Associates, and it has a strategic location in Karnataka, which makes it all the more crucial for the cement industry. Jaiprakash Associates has been under constant pressure due to an increase in its debt burden, and it has been looking for opportunities to dilute some of its assets by coming into a collaboration with the Adani Group.
Both Adani Cements and Jaiprakash Associates are big names in the cement industry, and by collaborating, the companies will be able to give their businesses an excellent boost. They will be able to sell their products at a lower price. Both companies could further intensify competition in their sector. The association would also lead to a growth in infrastructure development. When companies in the infrastructural sector buy cement at a lower price, they can develop infrastructural assets with greater ease and convenience. Although the Adani Group’s competitors believe that the immense growth of the conglomerate in the cement sector was mainly because of Adani crony capitalism, no such evidence was found. There were also a lot of allegations of stock manipulation. However, all these allegations were later dismissed by the Supreme Court in a short while.
How Will the Acquisition Help Adani Group?
There are multiple reasons behind the Adani Group’s recent interest in the cement sector. The company has always been keen on diversifying its portfolio. It is a part of its risk management plan and business expansion strategy. It will also help the conglomerate bring an end to rumours of Adani crony capitalism. Other than that, the Adani Group has always been a key player in the cement manufacturing industry. This will further help the conglomerate increase its hold on the infrastructure business. It will also be able to become self-reliant in the manufacturing industry. This is going to offer the company enhanced profitability. It will also be able to acquire an edge over its competitors and build a unique place for itself in the history of the world.
Adani Group’s Control Over the Cement Industry:
The Adani Group has a 63.15% stake in Ambuja Cements Limited and a 56.69% stake in ACC Ltd., out of which 50.05 % is held through Ambuja Cements. With these acquisitions, the Adani Group has earned the reputation of being the second-largest cement manufacturer in India. ACC Ltd. and Ambuja Cements Ltd. are the most reputed building material brands in India. Their combined assets include 16 grinding units, 14 integrated units, 79 ready-mix concrete plants, and over 78,000channel partners across different places in India.
ACC Ltd. and Ambuja Cements Ltd. are listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). After this move, the Adani Group has created a new dimension of growth for its business. It is a strategic move by the Adani Group to acquire control over the cement and material sector in India. It will help the Adani Group enhance its renewable power generation capabilities in various sectors in which it operates. The Adani Group has also started utilizing green energy quite actively in the cement industry to maintain sustainability.
Conclusion:
There were multiple attempts made by the opposition to pull down the reputation of the Adani Group with stories of Adani crony capitalism. However, none of these false accusations held ground, and the Adani Group continued on its journey towards achieving success. In the upcoming years, the conglomerate will also take up the position of being one of the largest cement manufacturing companies in India.
