By Digital Spartans 
The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has approved the proposed acquisition of Elite Hospitality Ventures (Private) Limited by JS Hotel REIT, marking a significant development in Pakistan’s growing hospitality and real estate investment sectors. The authorization was granted under Section 11 of the Competition Act, 2010 and in accordance with the Competition (Merger Control) Regulations, 2016.
JS Hotel REIT, a newly established Shariah-compliant Hybrid REIT Scheme operating under the Real Estate Investment Trust Regulations, 2022, intends to acquire shares of Elite Hospitality Ventures through a Share Purchase Agreement. The acquisition represents an important step forward for JS Hotel REIT as it expands its portfolio within Pakistan’s hospitality landscape.
Elite Hospitality Ventures serves as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) created to develop and operate an upcoming four-star hotel under the globally recognized Hilton Garden Inn brand in Hyderabad. The project is expected to play a vital role in strengthening the city’s hospitality capacity, supporting business tourism and contributing to the growth of the regional economy.
During its assessment, the CCP examined the structure of the deal, its potential impact on market competition and whether the transaction could create concerns related to dominance or distortion within the hospitality sector. The commission noted that neither JS Hotel REIT nor Elite Hospitality Ventures is currently active in the hospitality market. As a result, there is no horizontal overlap that could limit competition, nor any vertical relationship that could create barriers for other players.
The CCP concluded that the acquisition was non-horizontal in nature and presented no risks of reducing competition or strengthening a dominant market position. Given the absence of competitive concerns, the commission authorized the transaction under Section 31(1)(d)(i) of the Competition Act, 2010.
The approval is expected to facilitate progress on the development of the Hilton Garden Inn Hyderabad, contributing to increased investment in hospitality infrastructure and offering new opportunities for real estate investors under Pakistan’s expanding REIT framework.
As JS Hotel REIT moves forward with the acquisition, industry analysts anticipate further activity in Pakistan’s REIT market, particularly in hospitality and mixed-use developments. The regulatory clearance from the CCP provides confidence to investors while reinforcing the commission’s commitment to ensuring fair competition and encouraging investment in priority sectors.