CCI approves re-balancing of cross-shareholding between Renault, Nissan

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved proposed combination involving re-balancing of the existing cross-shareholdings between Renault and Nissan.

The proposal relates to the re-balancing of the existing cross-shareholdings between Renault S.A. (Renault) and Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. (Nissan) (Rebalancing) and certain changes to the shareholding of two of their joint ventures in India, i.e., Renault Nissan Automotive India Private Limited (RNAIPL) and Renault Nissan Technology & Business Centre India Private Limited (RNTBCI), the CCI said in a statement on Thursday.

As part of the rebalancing, Nissan, through Nissan Finance Co, will retain its 15% shareholding in Renault. Renault will transfer 28.4% of its Nissan shares into a trust estate administered by a trustee governed by French law, where the entrusted shares will be voted neutrally, subject to limited exceptions. 

Renault would continue to fully benefit from the economic rights from the entrusted shares until such shares are sold. Accordingly, Renault and Nissan will have a cross-shareholding of 15% of the total issued share capital and freely exercisable voting rights in each other, i.e., both Renault and Nissan will hold 15% shareholding in each other.

Nissan and its affiliate entities in India are engaged in the sale of passenger vehicles and automotive parts, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Nissan Motor India Private Limited (NMIPL). NMIPL offers passenger vehicles in India, currently under the ‘Nissan’ brand.

Renault and its affiliate entities in India, sell automobiles and parts through its wholly-owned subsidiary Renault India Private Limited (RIPL). It offers passenger and utility vehicles in India under the ‘Renault’ brand.