CCI Approves Bharti Group's Stake Acquisitions

08 Nov 2023 CW Team

In Proposed Transaction 1, BLVPL, an entity within the Bharti Group, is set to acquire a 49% stake in BALIC, thereby increasing its shareholding to 100%. This acquisition not only results in a significant increase in BLVPL's stake but also grants it sole control over BALIC. In Proposed Transaction 2, BEL, another Bharti Group entity, is slated to acquire a 48.54% shareholding in BMSL, effectively taking its share to 100%. This acquisition similarly secures BEL's sole control over BMSL.

Both BLVPL and BEL are integral parts of the Bharti Group, contributing to the conglomerate's diverse business portfolio. BLVPL, a privately held company incorporated in India, primarily serves as a holding company and holds its sole investment in BALIC. On the other hand, BEL is a public unlisted company also incorporated in India, primarily engaged in providing management consultancy services.

BALIC, the target company in Proposed Transaction 1, is a public unlisted entity incorporated in India. Its core business revolves around offering life insurance policies to customers. BMSL, the subject of Proposed Transaction 2, is another public unlisted company established in India. Historically, it was involved in providing management consultancy and other consultancy services. However, it is important to note that BMSL has not been operational in the field of consultancy services for the past two years. Currently, its sources of income are diversified, encompassing areas such as rental and interest income.

The CCI's approval for these acquisitions marks an important step in the Bharti Group's strategic initiatives and underscores its commitment to expanding its presence and influence in the insurance and management consultancy sectors in India.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has given its green light to the proposed acquisitions involving the Bharti Group. This development pertains to two distinct transactions: the acquisition of a 49% stake in Bharti AXA Life Insurance Company Limited (BALIC) by Bharti Life Ventures Private Limited (BLVPL) from AXA India Holdings (Proposed Transaction 1) and the acquisition of a 48.54% shareholding in Bharti Management Services Limited (BMSL) by Bharti Enterprises Limited (BEL) from Societe Beaujon (a subsidiary of AXA) (Proposed Transaction 2). Collectively, these two transactions are referred to as the Proposed Transaction. In Proposed Transaction 1, BLVPL, an entity within the Bharti Group, is set to acquire a 49% stake in BALIC, thereby increasing its shareholding to 100%. This acquisition not only results in a significant increase in BLVPL's stake but also grants it sole control over BALIC. In Proposed Transaction 2, BEL, another Bharti Group entity, is slated to acquire a 48.54% shareholding in BMSL, effectively taking its share to 100%. This acquisition similarly secures BEL's sole control over BMSL. Both BLVPL and BEL are integral parts of the Bharti Group, contributing to the conglomerate's diverse business portfolio. BLVPL, a privately held company incorporated in India, primarily serves as a holding company and holds its sole investment in BALIC. On the other hand, BEL is a public unlisted company also incorporated in India, primarily engaged in providing management consultancy services. BALIC, the target company in Proposed Transaction 1, is a public unlisted entity incorporated in India. Its core business revolves around offering life insurance policies to customers. BMSL, the subject of Proposed Transaction 2, is another public unlisted company established in India. Historically, it was involved in providing management consultancy and other consultancy services. However, it is important to note that BMSL has not been operational in the field of consultancy services for the past two years. Currently, its sources of income are diversified, encompassing areas such as rental and interest income. The CCI's approval for these acquisitions marks an important step in the Bharti Group's strategic initiatives and underscores its commitment to expanding its presence and influence in the insurance and management consultancy sectors in India.