By Hritam Mukherjee and Ashna Teresa Britto (Reuters) -UltraTech India's top cement maker will buy an 8.69% stake in Star Cement, it said on Friday, in a deal worth up to 8.51 billion rupees ($100 million) for a company that rival Adani Group was reportedly interested in acquiring.

UltraTech Cement acquires 8.69% stake in Star Cement for ₹851 crore, expanding its capacity through strategic acquisitions.

The Star Cement minority stake acquisition could help UltraTech Cement's exposure in the east markets where its current capacity mix is at 18%.

India's UltraTech Cement will buy an 8.69% stake in Star Cement, it said on Friday, in a deal that could be valued at up to 8.51 billion rupees ($100 million) and firm its leading position in the sector.

UltraTech Cement has acquired an 8.69% stake in Star Cement for Rs 851 crore, intensifying competition with Ambuja Cements in the cement industry.

The development comes three days after the Aditya Birla group firm completed the acquisition of a controlling stake in India Cements Ltd, turning the south-based company into its subsidiary.

The U.S. Department of State said on Friday that it is imposing visa restrictions on multiple individuals responsible for the ongoing conflict in South Sudan.

Star Cement shares surged nearly 8% during Friday morning trades following UltraTech Cement’s announcement of acquiring a minority stake in the company. This move is part of UltraTech’s ongoing consolidation strategy,