The Competition Commission of India has cleared the 1.78 billion dollar acquisition of Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited, owner of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru sides in the Indian Premier League and Women’s Premier League. A consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group along with Times of India publishers, Bolt Ventures and a Blackstone fund is the buyer. The decision enables completion of a major IPL franchise transaction and reflects rising investor interest in sports properties. Aryaman Vikram Birla will become chairman while Satyan Gajwani takes the vice-chairman role. The buyer group includes Big Banyan Holdings, Bolt IPL Holdings, Times Internet Limited, Times Cricket, ICQ Opportunities RC Holdco and Asia Investment Topco II.
