Bharti Enterprises on Sunday announced that Prudential plc will acquire a 75 per cent stake in Bharti Life Insurance Company Limited from Bharti Life Ventures Pvt Ltd and other selling shareholders for ₹3,500 crore.
Prudential is an insurer and asset manager operating across Asia and Africa, while Bharti Life is one of India’s leading life insurance providers.
The transaction involves an initial cash consideration of ₹3,500 crore (about $389 million), payable on completion, Prudential Plc said in a statement.
“The transaction will be funded from existing resources. The transaction is expected to deliver compelling strategic and financial benefits for Prudential over time. Further details will be provided once regulatory consent for the transaction has been received. It is expected that part of the proceeds from any divestment of ICICI Prudential Life will be used to support future growth in the business,” it said.
The residual capital would contribute to Prudential’s free surplus, the company said, adding that there is potential additional consideration of up to ₹700 crore ($78 million), subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions.
Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder and Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, said the partnership would help accelerate Bharti Life’s growth.
“We are delighted to welcome Prudential Plc as the controlling shareholder of Bharti Life, further accelerating its growth trajectory,” Mittal said. “Prudential’s experience and global scale, combined with Bharti’s strong track record, create a formidable alliance to tap into the immense potential of India’s life insurance sector.”
He added that the partnership would create new opportunities for employees and strengthen ties between India and the United Kingdom.
Anil Wadhwani, Chief Executive Officer of Prudential plc, said India remains a key market for the company.
“By acquiring a controlling stake in Bharti Life, we are bringing together Prudential’s nearly 180 years of global insurance expertise and Bharti’s strong and growing local presence to serve the savings and protection needs of Indian consumers,” Wadhwani said.
He said the company aims to support the Viksit Bharat Initiative and contribute to the goal of “Insurance for All by 2047” by expanding access to insurance products and services in India.
Wadhwani also said Prudential values its long-standing partnership with the ICICI group of companies in India.
Following completion, Prudential’s Indian operations will consist of majority-owned Bharti Life Insurance Company Limited and Prudential HCL Health Insurance Limited, along with minority shareholdings in two listed entities — 35 per cent in ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company Limited and 22 per cent in ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company.
Karan Bhagat, Founder, MD and CEO of 360 ONE, said the firm’s private equity funds had made a meaningful investment in Bharti Life Insurance and had seen strong growth in the business.
“Today’s transaction reflects both its current performance and long-term potential,” Bhagat said. He added that 360 ONE looked forward to continuing the distribution of Bharti Life’s products through its network following Prudential’s investment.
The announcement comes as India’s life insurance sector sees growing demand driven by digital adoption, rising awareness, and increased interest in financial protection products.
Bharti Enterprises said the investment would support Bharti Life’s next phase of growth by strengthening product offerings and expanding distribution reach.
The company added that Bharti Life’s local presence, combined with Prudential’s insurance expertise, is expected to improve access to life and health protection solutions across India.
The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other conditions.
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