On November 14, 2019, CCI approved the acquisition of 7.35% equity in Ecom Express Private Limited (‘Target’) by CDC Group PLC (‘CDC’). [1]
CCI noted that there were no horizontal overlaps between the activities of CDC and the Target. While assessing the vertical linkages, CCI noted that CDC has an investment in an entity which was present in the grocery business and which had previously availed the hyperlocal delivery services provided by the Target. Additionally, CCI noted that three other portfolio companies of CDC were customers of the Target for some of its ancillary businesses. However, it was noted that the value of these businesses offered to the portfolio companies of CDC was too insignificant to raise any competition concerns and CCI accordingly approved the acquisition.
[1] Combination Registration No. C-2019/10/697.