Competition Commission of India

Increased regulatory scrutiny of mergers and acquisitions is impacting Indian businesses, as evidenced by recent activity before the Competition Commission of India (CCI). Lloyds Metals has incurred a nominal penalty for standstill obligations related to a prior combination, highlighting ongoing enforcement of competition law. Simultaneously, both Sapphire Foods and Devyani International have formally filed applications with the CCI to secure approval for their proposed merger, reflecting a wave of consolidation within the food services sector. Furthermore, Metallurgical Products India is appealing a CCI order to NCLAT, underscoring the potential for protracted legal challenges. These developments suggest a heightened focus on antitrust compliance for companies pursuing strategic combinations, potentially leading to increased deal review timelines and costs.