CCI Approves KKR’s Acquisition of Majority Stake in HealthCare Global Enterprises

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has greenlit the acquisition of a controlling stake in HealthCare Global Enterprises Limited (HCG) by KKR, a global investment firm, through its entities Hector Asia Holdings and KIA EBT II Scheme. This move reflects growing global interest in India’s healthcare sector and highlights the importance of regulatory oversight in major corporate deals.

Why in the News?

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved a major acquisition proposal involving the purchase of a significant stake in HealthCare Global Enterprises Limited (HCG) by KKR through Hector Asia Holdings II Pte. Ltd. and KIA EBT II Scheme, as announced on 1st May 2025.

Aim of the Acquisition

• To enable KKR, through Hector and KIA EBT II Scheme, to acquire up to 77% stake in HCG.
• Strengthen KKR’s footprint in India’s cancer care and specialty healthcare sector.

Key Highlights

• Hector Asia Holdings II Pte. Ltd. is a Singapore-based entity owned indirectly by KKR.
• KIA EBT II Scheme is an employee benefit trust for KKR’s employees.

HCG is a publicly listed Indian company involved in,

• Cancer care centres and multi-specialty hospitals
• Fertility and reproductive medicine services
• Life sciences research and diagnostics

Regulatory Aspects

• Under SEBI’s Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers (SAST) Regulations, 2011, the acquisition triggers a mandatory tender offer.
• The acquirers will offer to purchase up to 26% of the expanded voting share capital from public shareholders.
• Post-open offer, KKR’s stake in HCG will range between 54% to 77%.

Significance

• Reinforces global investor interest in India’s growing healthcare sector.
• Highlights CCI’s role in facilitating fair and competitive market practices.
• Signals consolidation in India’s oncology and specialty healthcare space.

Static GK Pointers

• CCI Headquarters: New Delhi
• Established: 2003 (under the Competition Act, 2002)
• SEBI SAST Regulations: To protect shareholder rights during takeovers
• KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts): Global private equity firm founded in 1976