CCI approves Aster-Quality Care deal, merged entity to operate 38 hospitals

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the proposed merger between Aster DM Healthcare Limited and Blackstone-backed Quality Care India Ltd, under Section 31(1) of the Competition Act, 2002.

The merged entity — Aster DM Quality Care — will be jointly controlled by Aster Promoters and Blackstone, and will have a combined portfolio of Aster DM, CARE Hospitals, KIMSHEALTH and Evercare.

It will have a network of 38 hospitals and over 10,150 beds spread across 27 cities and is expected to add 13,300 beds by FY27 through internal accruals, and cash in hand with a mix of greenfield and brownfield opportunities.

The merger transaction is expected to be completed during this year.

“The merger of Aster DM Healthcare and Quality Care India is not merely a consolidation of resources, but a convergence of vision, expertise, and a shared commitment to building one of the largest and most impactful healthcare networks in the country. The integration of Aster and Quality Care’s extensive networks and operational expertise will significantly strengthen our capacity to deliver world-class healthcare, foster innovation, and elevate patient outcomes,” said Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder & Chairman, Aster DM Healthcare.

The combined entity is expected to drive growth, enhance operational efficiency, and elevate the standard of patient care across the network. “It will enable the sharing of best practices, standardisation of clinical protocols, and collaboration across specialties—leading to improved outcomes and service quality,” the official press release said.

The merger, which was announced in November 2024, is expected to significantly increase scale, according to Alisha Moopen, Deputy Managing Director of Aster DM Healthcare. “Scale is a significant factor in healthcare. The merged entity is projected to generate significant revenue, with estimates of a total of ₹7,300 crore,” Alisha told businessline.

(With inputs from bl intern Nethra Sailesh)

Published on April 18, 2025