Aster DM Healthcare has received an order from the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Hyderabad Bench, directing the company to convene meetings of its shareholders and unsecured trade creditors to seek approval for its proposed merger with Quality Care India Limited (QCIL).
The meetings are scheduled to take place between February 27, 2026 and March 13, 2026, marking a significant regulatory milestone in one of the largest consolidation moves in India’s healthcare sector. The merger has already received approval from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) and ‘No Objection’ letters from the stock exchanges.
Subject to shareholder, creditor and remaining regulatory approvals, Aster DM Healthcare expects the merger process to be completed by the first quarter of FY 2026–27.
Once completed, the merged entity—Aster DM Quality Care Limited—will be promoted by Aster promoters and Blackstone and is expected to emerge as one of India’s top three hospital chains. The combined platform will bring together four established healthcare brands: Aster DM, CARE Hospitals, KIMSHEALTH and Evercare.
As of September 30, 2025, the combined bed strength of Aster DM Healthcare and QCIL stands at over 10,360 beds, with Aster operating more than 5,195 beds and QCIL operating approximately 5,165 beds across India. The merged entity has outlined plans to expand capacity to around 14,715 beds over the coming years.
The NCLT order advances the merger toward completion, with the combined organisation expected to leverage complementary hospital networks, clinical expertise and operational strengths. The increased scale is also anticipated to support investments in advanced medical technologies and digital health platforms, aimed at improving clinical outcomes and patient experience nationwide.
The transaction highlights the accelerating consolidation trend within India’s healthcare sector, driven by the need for scale, capital efficiency and integrated care delivery models.
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