Cement sector M&As lie stalled over valuation

A spate of merger and acquisition deals in the stressed cement sector hangs in balance over the valuation and difficulty in transfer of captive mines along with sale of assets.

The new Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 2015 does not allow transfer of captive limestone mining when assets are sold to prospective buyers.

Speaking to Business Line Deepak Khetrapal, MD and CEO, Orient Cement said some of the companies which are highly leveraged are finding it difficult to sustain with the slowing cement demand leading to tight cash flow.

Banks are also putting pressure on defaulters, especially after RBI allowed banks to swap debt for majority stake in defaulting companies and sell them to prospective bidders.