The Competition Commission of India has approved acquisition of Uprising Science Private Limited by Hindustan Unilever Limited.

The proposed transaction involves the acquisition by Hindustan Unilever Limited (Acquirer/HUL), of 90.5% shareholding of Uprising Science Private Limited (Target), with eventual acquisition of the remaining 9.5% shareholding of the Target in about two years from the completion date as per the terms set out in the Share Purchase & Subscription Agreement executed by and between HUL and the Target.

The Acquirer is involved in the business of manufacture and sale of: (a) home care products; (b) beauty & personal care products; (c) food products and refreshments. The Acquirer has over 50+ brands spanning distinct categories and includes Lux, Surf Excel, Fair & Lovely, Lakme, Knorr, Kwality Wall’s, Brooke Bond, BRU among others.

The Target is engaged in the manufacture and sale of beauty and personal care products such as skin care & body care products, baby care products and hair care products.

Detailed order of the Commission will follow.

Merger approval: competition authority clears acquisition of personal care company by major FMCG acquirer combining brands Competition authority approved Hindustan Unilever Limited's acquisition of a controlling stake in Uprising Science Private Limited under a share purchase and subscription agreement, with provision for later acquisition of remaining shares. The transaction involves overlap between the target's beauty and personal care products and the acquirer's established personal care and home care businesses; a detailed Commission order will follow.