RCB Parent Company to be acquired by Investor Consortium After CCI Approval

Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL), the company that owns and operates the Royal Challengers Bengaluru franchise, is set to be acquired by a consortium of investors, after receiving approval from the Competition Commission of India (CCI). 

The approved transaction involves the acquisition of 100% shareholding in RCSPL by Big Banyan Holdings Pte. Ltd., Bolt IPL Holdings LLC, Times Internet Limited, Times Cricket LLP, ICQ Opportunities RC Holdco, Ltd., Asia Investment Topco II Pte. Ltd., along with other investors participating through funding arrangements. 

About the Investors 

Big Banyan Holdings is part of the Aditya Birla Group, while Asia Investment Topco II is controlled by funds advised and/or managed by affiliates of Blackstone Inc. ICQ Opportunities is part of the ICONIQ group. Times Internet Limited operates digital businesses in areas including news, advertising services, rewards programmes and event management. Bolt IPL Holdings and Times Cricket LLP are newly incorporated entities intending to engage in sports franchise ownership, management and commercialisation. 

About Royal Challengers Sports 

Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited owns and operates the Royal Challengers Bengaluru franchise, including the Bengaluru-based teams competing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Women’s Premier League (WPL). According to the CCI, the company's business activities are limited to India. 

The competition regulator has approved the proposed acquisition of the company's entire shareholding by the investor consortium.