Reevaluating India's Insolvency Process: Concentration of Assets Among Conglomerates
Bigwigs walk away with bankrupt assets. Is there a different way?
Mint
Image: Mint
India's Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) has resolved 1,376 companies in a decade, but most assets have been acquired by major conglomerates like Adani, Tata, and Reliance at steep discounts. This trend raises concerns about market concentration and the missed opportunity for smaller firms to grow through acquisitions, suggesting a need for reform in the IBC process.
- 01The IBC has resolved 1,376 companies, but many assets go to large conglomerates.
- 02Major players like Adani, Tata, and Reliance dominate acquisitions, limiting competition.
- 03Discounted asset sales benefit deep-pocketed firms, sidelining smaller competitors.
- 04The current system may need reforms to encourage a more diverse industrial landscape.
- 05Lessons from South Korea's industrial rise highlight the potential of empowering mid-tier firms.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
India's Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) has successfully resolved 1,376 companies over the past decade, yet a significant concern arises from the concentration of acquired assets among a few large conglomerates, such as the Adani Group, Tata Group, and Reliance Industries. These firms often purchase distressed assets at steep discounts, which diminishes competition and market diversity. For instance, the steel sector has seen a reduction from 17 major players to just four, with acquisitions like JSW Steel's purchase of Bhushan Power and Steel exemplifying this trend. While the IBC aims to rescue distressed assets, it inadvertently favors larger companies with deeper pockets, leaving smaller firms at a disadvantage. This raises questions about the effectiveness of the IBC in promoting a competitive industrial environment. To address this, experts suggest implementing a weighted scorecard for acquisitions that considers market impact and employment commitments, thereby encouraging a more equitable distribution of opportunities. The current process, while preventing liquidation, may be stifling the potential for a more dynamic market landscape.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The concentration of assets among a few large firms limits competition, potentially leading to higher prices for consumers and fewer job opportunities in the market.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Should the IBC process be reformed to support smaller firms?
Connecting to poll...
More about Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India
Proposed Creditor-Led Framework Aims to Expedite Insolvency Resolution in India
The Economic Times • Apr 17, 2026

IBBI Introduces New Regulations for Creditor Approval in Distressed Firm Deals
Mint • Apr 16, 2026

Supreme Court to Review Supertech's Request for Limited Oversight on Housing Projects
Hindustan Times • Apr 14, 2026
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.
