Vedanta Limited (Vedanta) and Cairn India Limited (Cairn India) announced that the merger of Cairn India with Vedanta pursuant to the Scheme of Arrangement has become effective.
Vedanta is ranked #6 (1) among the global diversified natural resources companies, and the only one with majority of its sales to the growing Indian market. This merger consolidates Vedanta’s position as one of the world’s largest diversified natural resources companies, with world-class, low-cost assets in Metals & Mining and Oil & Gas. The merged company will have a larger pro forma market cap of $15.6 bn (2), and higher free float of 49.9%. Vedanta will have one of the strongest balance sheets in the Indian corporate sector with flexibility to balance capital allocation to the highest return projects while providing a strong and stable dividend.
Vedanta is India’s premier natural resources company, providing the metals and energy to build India and fuel its growth. The combined entity is uniquely positioned to unlock India’s wealth of world-class energy and mineral resources. The merged company is committed to enhancing oil & gas production, and preserving the “Cairn” brand.
Navin Agarwal, Chairman of Vedanta Limited said: “We are pleased to have completed the Vedanta Ltd - Cairn India merger and are very excited about the future of the combined company. I would like to thank the shareholders of both companies for their support for this transaction and welcome the Cairn India shareholders into Vedanta Ltd’s shareholder register. With world class assets in Metals & Mining and Oil & Gas, Vedanta will fuel India’s economic growth and generate value for all stakeholders.”
Sudhir Mathur, Acting CEO of Cairn India said: “I am very excited about Vedanta’s commitment to grow our Oil & Gas business. The merger with Vedanta Ltd will de-risk Cairn India by providing access to a portfolio of diversified Tier-I, low cost, long-life assets, to deliver significant near term growth, while retaining the substantial upside from our oil & gas business.”
Tom Albanese, CEO of Vedanta Limited said: “Our continued focus to remain a low-cost operator with low leverage will provide us the financial flexibility throughout the cycle and help us create long term value for all stakeholders. This merger will increase the appeal of Vedanta Ltd to global investors as it simplifies the structure and increases the size and free float of the company.”
