The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has approved the acquisition of shareholding in Pakistan Corporate Restructuring Company Limited by United Ethanol Industries Limited following a Phase I competition assessment conducted under the Competition Act, 2010.
Pakistan Corporate Restructuring Company Limited operates as a restructuring company licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and primarily deals in the acquisition, management, restructuring, and resolution of non performing assets along with the revival and liquidation of financially distressed businesses.
United Ethanol Industries Limited is a public listed company engaged in the production and sale of fuel grade and industrial grade ethanol and related products within Pakistan’s agribusiness and industrial sector.
The transaction involves the acquisition of ordinary shares in PCRCL from eight commercial banks, including United Bank Limited, MCB Bank Limited, Allied Bank Limited, Meezan Bank Limited, Habib Metropolitan Bank Limited, Habib Bank Limited, Bank AL Habib Limited, and Bank Alfalah Limited.
During its review, the CCP assessed the transaction’s impact on the market for non performing asset resolution and restructuring advisory services in Pakistan.
The commission concluded that the transaction qualifies as a conglomerate merger because both parties operate in separate and unrelated business sectors with no direct market overlap. According to the CCP, the deal is unlikely to reduce competition, create barriers for new entrants, or strengthen a dominant market position in the relevant sector.
The commission subsequently approved the transaction under Section 31 of the Competition Act, 2010, stating that the acquisition would not negatively affect market competition or business dynamics in Pakistan.
The CCP said it remains committed to facilitating investment, supporting business growth, and ensuring transparent and competitive market practices through timely merger reviews and regulatory oversight.
