1. Bharti Airtel Limited 2. Lion Meadow Investment Ltd.
Case brief
What is this about?
The Competition Commission of India approved a combination involving acquisition of shares in Bharti Telemedia Limited and Bharti Airtel Ltd. The Commission found no appreciable adverse effect on competition, noting the new entrant status of one affiliation and insignificant market overlaps. The combination was registered as Regulation 8(2) notice.
What did the court decide?
The combination is approved under Section 31(1) of the Act; the order may be revoked if information is found to be incorrect; information is treated as confidential under Section 57.
What the court decided
COMPETITION COMMISSION OF INDIA
Combination Registration No. C-2023/10/1074
2nd April 2024
Notice jointly given by Bharti Airtel Ltd. and Lion Meadow Investment Ltd. pursuant to the directions issued under Sections 20(1) and Section 43A of the Competition Act, 2002 (‘Act’) read with Regulation 8(2) of the Competition Commission of India (Procedure in regard to the transaction of business relating to combinations) Regulations, 2011 (‘Combination Regulations’)
CORAM:
Ms. Ravneet Kaur Chairperson
Mr. Anil Agrawal Member
Ms. Sweta Kakkad Member
Mr. Deepak Anurag Member
Order under Section 31(1) of the Competition Act, 2002
- On 31st October 2023, the Competition Commission of India (‘ Commission ’) received a Notice jointly given by Bharti Airtel Ltd. (‘ BAL ’) and Lion Meadow Investment Ltd. (‘ LMIL ’). The notice has been filed pursuant to the directions of the Commission, issued under Regulation 8(2) of the Combination Regulations, to BAL and LMIL vide order dated 23rd August 2023.
Issues for consideration
3 issues framed by the court
Whether the proposed combination between Bharti Airtel Ltd. and Lion Meadow Investment Ltd. causes or is likely to cause an appreciable adverse effect on competition in India.
Whether a notice should be filed under Section 6(2) of the Act for acquisition of shares consummated prior to the obligation to notify.
Whether the supply relationship between BTL and Dixon raises competition concerns given Dixon's status as a new entrant.
Parties & counsel
- applicant
Bharti Airtel Ltd.
- applicant
Lion Meadow Investment Ltd.
Coram
Ravneet Kaur
Case details
As recorded by the court registry
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