ISLAMABAD: The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has approved the acquisition of 50 percent shareholding in GH2 Industries (Private) Limited (GIPL) by Descon Holding (Private) Limited (DHPL) and Aurelius (Private) Limited (APL) under a Share Sale and Purchase Agreement.

The relevant product market identified for competition assessment includes rice and its derivatives—such as Basmati, Non-Basmati, Broken Rice, Rice Bran, Stabilized Rice Bran and Rice Husk—as well as rice-based starches, including Sorbitol, Dextrose Monohydrate, Dextrose Anhydrous and Rice Protein.

Following a comprehensive Phase I review, the CCP determined that the transaction does not pose any immediate threat to market competition or contribute to market concentration. Since GIPL has yet to commence operations, its potential impact on the competitive landscape remains undetermined. The assessment ensures that market dynamics remain fair and competitive while fostering investment in the agribusiness sector.

Descon Holding (Private) Limited (DHPL) is a privately incorporated entity in Pakistan, specializing in share investments and offering advisory and consultancy services in management, production, marketing and engineering across local and international markets. Aurelius (Private) Limited (APL), a newly established private limited company, aims to enter the milling and trading sector for grains, including rice, wheat, sugar, cereals, pulses and spices. Meanwhile, GH2 Industries (Private) Limited (GIPL) is in the process of developing an agri-based manufacturing facility focused on producing rice, rice-based derivatives and related byproducts.