Private equity investors PI Opportunities Fund-I Scheme-II, Claypond Capital Partners, and 360 ONE Private Equity Fund have submitted a combination notice to the Competition Commission of India (CCI) seeking approval for their proposed acquisition of a stake in Akasa Air.ÂÂ
The investment aims to strengthen the airline’s financial position and support its expansion in both domestic and international markets.
Akasa Air, a relatively new entrant in the Indian aviation industry, commenced operations in 2020 and currently provides domestic and international passenger transport services, air cargo, and other aviation-related services.ÂÂ
The airline has been rapidly expanding its fleet and route network, positioning itself as a competitive player in the low-cost carrier segment.
Diverse financial expertise
The investors bring diverse financial expertise to the table. PIOF, an alternative investment fund registered with SEBI, focuses on long-term equity investments in high-growth companies. Claypond Capital Partners, linked to the Pai Family Group, has investments across multiple sectors. The 360 ONE Private Equity Fund, another SEBI-registered AIF, is active across various industries in India and globally.
The transaction does not pose any direct competition concerns, as the investors do not have any existing aviation businesses. However, there may be potential vertical overlaps between Akasa Air’s operations and portfolio companies of the acquirers in areas such as travel agency services and corporate travel solutions.
The investment is expected to provide Akasa Air with additional financial backing to scale its operations in a competitive market dominated by established players. If approved, the deal will mark another significant step in the airline’s journey to expand its market share in India’s aviation sector.
