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	<title>Cross Border News | M&amp;A Critique</title>
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		<title>RBI approves merger of Emirates NBD&#8217;s India branches with RBL Bank</title>
		<link>https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com/news/rbi-approves-merger-of-emirates-nbds-india-branches-with-rbl-bank/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=rbi-approves-merger-of-emirates-nbds-india-branches-with-rbl-bank</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[mnacritique]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 19 Oct 2026 05:15:01 +0000</pubDate>
				<guid isPermaLink="false">https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com/?post_type=news&#038;p=84994</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday approved the merger of the Indian branches of Dubai-based Emirates NBD Bank (P.J.S.C.) with RBL Bank. The amalgamation will take effect from December 1, 2026, the central bank said in a press release dated October 16. &#8220;All the Indian branches of Emirates NBD Bank P.J.S.C. will function [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com/news/rbi-approves-merger-of-emirates-nbds-india-branches-with-rbl-bank/">RBI approves merger of Emirates NBD’s India branches with RBL Bank</a> first appeared on <a href="https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com">M&A Critique</a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday approved the merger of the Indian branches of Dubai-based Emirates NBD Bank (P.J.S.C.) with RBL Bank. The amalgamation will take effect from December 1, 2026, the central bank said in a press release dated October 16.</p>
<p>&#8220;All the Indian branches of Emirates NBD Bank P.J.S.C. will function as branches of RBL Bank Limited with effect from December 01, 2026,&#8221; it said.</p>
<p>In May, the Finance Ministry had approved Emirates NBD Bank&#8217;s acquisition of up to a 74% stake in RBL Bank.</p>
<p>The approval follows Emirates NBD&#8217;s acquisition of a 60% stake in RBL Bank&#8217;s expanded share capital, completed on June 18, 2026, through a primary capital infusion of about $2.75 billion, or around Rs 26,000 crore.</p>
<p>The transaction, first announced in October 2025, was completed after the companies received regulatory approvals and fulfilled the required closing conditions. The merger is one of the largest foreign investments in India&#8217;s banking sector.</p>
<p>Emirates NBD acquired the stake through a preferential share allotment of 929.1 million fully paid-up equity shares of RBL Bank at Rs 280 per share, aggregating to about Rs 26,016 crore.</p>
<p>Emirates NBD received RBI approval to open its first Indian branch in Mumbai in 2016 and began operations in July 2017. It later opened two more branches in Gurugram and Chennai.</p>
<p>The bank has maintained a representative office in India since March 2000.</p>
<p>The latest approval brings Emirates NBD&#8217;s Indian branch operations under RBL Bank&#8217;s network. The RBI statement did not specify whether the amalgamation would lead to changes in customer services or other operational arrangements.</p>
<p>RBL Bank shares closed 1.10% higher at Rs 378.25 on the National Stock Exchange on Friday.</p><p>The post <a href="https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com/news/rbi-approves-merger-of-emirates-nbds-india-branches-with-rbl-bank/">RBI approves merger of Emirates NBD’s India branches with RBL Bank</a> first appeared on <a href="https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com">M&A Critique</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
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		<title>Iveco shareholders approve Tata Motors&#8217; takeover bid; acceptance threshold cut to 80 pc</title>
		<link>https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com/news/iveco-shareholders-approve-tata-motors-takeover-bid-acceptance-threshold-cut-to-80-pc/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=iveco-shareholders-approve-tata-motors-takeover-bid-acceptance-threshold-cut-to-80-pc</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[mnacritique]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 19 Oct 2026 05:12:54 +0000</pubDate>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>Shareholders of Italian commercial vehicle maker Iveco Group on Friday approved key resolutions related to Tata Motors&#8217; takeover offer, including a reduction in the minimum acceptance threshold from 95 per cent to 80 per cent of its common shares, as the Indian auto major moves ahead with the acquisition process. At an extraordinary general meeting [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com/news/iveco-shareholders-approve-tata-motors-takeover-bid-acceptance-threshold-cut-to-80-pc/">Iveco shareholders approve Tata Motors’ takeover bid; acceptance threshold cut to 80 pc</a> first appeared on <a href="https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com">M&A Critique</a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Shareholders of Italian commercial vehicle maker Iveco Group on Friday approved key resolutions related to Tata Motors&#8217; takeover offer, including a reduction in the minimum acceptance threshold from 95 per cent to 80 per cent of its common shares, as the Indian auto major moves ahead with the acquisition process.</p>
<p>At an extraordinary general meeting held in Amsterdam, Iveco shareholders approved all resolutions proposed by its board of directors in connection with the voluntary public tender offer launched by TML CV Holdings Pte Ltd through TML CV Holdings B.V., Iveco Group said in a statement.</p>
<p>Tata Motors had earlier raised its offer price for Iveco by EUR 0.30 per share to EUR 14.40, following an initial offer of EUR 14.10 per share.</p>
<p>In 2025, Tata Motors announced plans to acquire Iveco, excluding its defence business, for around EUR 3.8 billion (nearly Rs 38,240 crore) through TML CV Holdings Pte Ltd. The earlier offer valued the transaction at approximately EUR 3.82 billion.</p>
<p>The acquisition is aimed at expanding Tata Motors&#8217; global commercial vehicle presence through Iveco&#8217;s established operations and product portfolio.</p>
<p>The approvals include amendments to the company&#8217;s articles of association, the appointment of board members following settlement of the offer, and changes to its special voting shares and loyalty voting structure.</p>
<p>The approval of the so-called back-end resolution will reduce the minimum acceptance level of the offer from 95 per cent to 80 per cent of Iveco&#8217;s common shares, Iveco said.</p>
<p>Certain other resolutions approved at the meeting are conditions for the offeror&#8217;s obligation to declare the offer unconditional. These include amendments to the articles of association, conversion of Iveco into a private limited liability company in the event of delisting, appointment of board members and termination of the loyalty voting structure.</p>
<p>The tender offer acceptance period runs from September 7 to October 26, 2026.</p>
<p>The resolutions approved by shareholders also provide for a potential post-offer demerger, a subsequent share sale and, subject to the relevant conditions, the eventual dissolution of Iveco Group. These steps would be implemented only if the applicable conditions are met and in accordance with the terms approved at the meeting.</p>
<p>The shareholders also approved the conversion of Iveco from a public limited liability company into a private limited liability company, which would take effect at a time determined by the offeror after delisting.</p>
<p>The post-offer demerger could be implemented at the offeror&#8217;s choice, subject to conditions including ownership of at least 80 per cent of the common shares.</p><p>The post <a href="https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com/news/iveco-shareholders-approve-tata-motors-takeover-bid-acceptance-threshold-cut-to-80-pc/">Iveco shareholders approve Tata Motors’ takeover bid; acceptance threshold cut to 80 pc</a> first appeared on <a href="https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com">M&A Critique</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
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		<title>Swiggy completes sale of Lynks Logistics to Trustroot Internet</title>
		<link>https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com/news/swiggy-completes-sale-of-lynks-logistics-to-trustroot-internet/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=swiggy-completes-sale-of-lynks-logistics-to-trustroot-internet</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[mnacritique]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 19 Oct 2026 05:10:15 +0000</pubDate>
				<guid isPermaLink="false">https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com/?post_type=news&#038;p=84992</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Swiggy Limited on Friday announced the completion of the sale of its entire shareholding in Lynks Logistics Limited to Trustroot Internet Private Limited. The transaction, involving Swiggy Networks Limited, a material wholly owned subsidiary of Swiggy, was completed at the close of business on October 15, 2026, according to a regulatory filing dated October 16. [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com/news/swiggy-completes-sale-of-lynks-logistics-to-trustroot-internet/">Swiggy completes sale of Lynks Logistics to Trustroot Internet</a> first appeared on <a href="https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com">M&A Critique</a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Swiggy Limited on Friday announced the completion of the sale of its entire shareholding in Lynks Logistics Limited to Trustroot Internet Private Limited.</p>
<p>The transaction, involving Swiggy Networks Limited, a material wholly owned subsidiary of Swiggy, was completed at the close of business on October 15, 2026, according to a regulatory filing dated October 16.</p>
<p>Following the transaction, Lynks Logistics ceased to be a subsidiary of Swiggy Networks and, consequently, a step-down subsidiary of Swiggy Limited, the company said.</p>
<p>The announcement follows Swiggy’s earlier intimation dated September 7, 2026, regarding the transaction.</p><p>The post <a href="https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com/news/swiggy-completes-sale-of-lynks-logistics-to-trustroot-internet/">Swiggy completes sale of Lynks Logistics to Trustroot Internet</a> first appeared on <a href="https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com">M&A Critique</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
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		<title>Fairfax gets 15 years to reduce stake in IDBI Bank to 26%</title>
		<link>https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com/news/fairfax-gets-15-years-to-reduce-stake-in-idbi-bank-to-26/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=fairfax-gets-15-years-to-reduce-stake-in-idbi-bank-to-26</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[mnacritique]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 16 Oct 2026 09:10:16 +0000</pubDate>
				<guid isPermaLink="false">https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com/?post_type=news&#038;p=84986</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Prem Watsa-backed Fairfax Financial Holdings has been given 15 years by the Reserve Bank of India to reduce its stake in IDBI Bank to 26%, while the Canadian investor has two years to decide the future of Kerala-headquartered CSB Bank, with a merger or sale emerging as the two possible options, Watsa said in a [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com/news/fairfax-gets-15-years-to-reduce-stake-in-idbi-bank-to-26/">Fairfax gets 15 years to reduce stake in IDBI Bank to 26%</a> first appeared on <a href="https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com">M&A Critique</a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Prem Watsa-backed Fairfax Financial Holdings has been given 15 years by the Reserve Bank of India to reduce its stake in IDBI Bank to 26%, while the Canadian investor has two years to decide the future of Kerala-headquartered CSB Bank, with a merger or sale emerging as the two possible options, Watsa said in a conference call with analysts and mediapersons.</p>
<p>&#8220;We have two licences and the RBI has given us two years to make a decision as to what we do,&#8221; Watsa said. &#8220;CSB &#8211; merge or sell? Those are the two options we have. We&#8217;ve got two years to make the decision, so we&#8217;ll think through all of that very carefully.&#8221;</p>
<p>Fairfax has been declared the strategic buyer for the proposed sale of a 60.72% stake in IDBI Bank. Its bid valued the stake at about ₹52,878 crore, based on a price of ₹81 per share.</p>
<p>Fairfax currently holds a 40% stake in private sector lender CSB Bank.</p>
<p>Fairfax said that it plans to transform IDBI Bank into a unified financial services group spanning banking, insurance, investment banking and wealth management, bringing its interests in Go Digit and IIFL Capital under the bank&#8217;s fold.</p>
<p>Under the regulatory glide path for IDBI Bank, Fairfax will have to reduce its holding from around 60% to 40% in the first 10 years of acquiring the lender, and further to 26% over the subsequent five years, Watsa said. &#8220;They&#8217;ve given us 15 years,&#8221; he said. &#8220;In 10 years, we have to go from 60% to 40%, and in the last five years, we go down to 26%. That&#8217;s what the rules are today.&#8221;</p>
<p>Watsa, however, indicated that ownership regulations could evolve over such a long period. He cited India&#8217;s insurance sector, where foreign ownership limits were progressively raised from 26% to 49%, then 74%, and eventually 100%.</p>
<p>&#8220;These rules may change. We don&#8217;t know,&#8221; he said, adding Fairfax would comply with the prevailing rules.</p>
<p>Fairfax expects the IDBI Bank transaction to be completed as early as the first quarter of 2027, though it could close sooner, Watsa said. The group is working through the regulatory approval process and has already held discussions with the relevant authorities. &#8220;We expect the process to go as quickly as it can,&#8221; he said.</p>
<p>Fairfax Financial proposes to contribute all its interests in Go Digit Life Insurance and Go Digit General Insurance, collectively referred to as Digit, to IDBI Bank. Fairfax India Holdings similarly plans to contribute its entire interest in IIFL Capital Services to the bank.</p>
<p>After completion of the acquisition and the proposed contributions, Rakesh Sharma, currently managing director and CEO of IDBI Bank, is expected to continue leading the bank&#8217;s operations. Fairfax also plans to bring former CSB Bank CEO C. V. R. Rajendran into the leadership group, while former ICICI Prudential Life managing director and CEO N S Kannan will be proposed as chairman, subject to RBI approval.</p>
<p>Kamesh Goyal will continue to lead Digit, while IIFL Capital&#8217;s existing management will remain responsible for its operations.</p>
<p>Fairfax said the around $5.6 billion IDBI Bank deal will be funded through a mix of holding-company cash, dividends from subsidiaries, asset sales and the contribution of its stakes in Go Digit and IIFL Capital at market value. The group had about $2.3 billion in cash and marketable securities at the holding-company level as of June 30, apart from another $2.3 billion of investments in associates and consolidated non-insurance companies.</p><p>The post <a href="https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com/news/fairfax-gets-15-years-to-reduce-stake-in-idbi-bank-to-26/">Fairfax gets 15 years to reduce stake in IDBI Bank to 26%</a> first appeared on <a href="https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com">M&A Critique</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
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		<title>Mankind Pharma to acquire 70% in Belgian biotech firm for €48 million</title>
		<link>https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com/news/mankind-pharma-to-acquire-70-in-belgian-biotech-firm-for-e48-million/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=mankind-pharma-to-acquire-70-in-belgian-biotech-firm-for-e48-million</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[mnacritique]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 16 Oct 2026 07:50:29 +0000</pubDate>
				<guid isPermaLink="false">https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com/?post_type=news&#038;p=84984</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Mankind Pharma on Thursday announced plans to acquire a 70 percent stake in Belgium-based Armed Cell Therapeutics (ACTx) for €48 million (Rs 511 crore), marking its entry into next-generation CAR-T cancer therapies and a significant step towards building a global innovation-led pharmaceutical business. The acquisition, through its Netherlands subsidiary, gives Mankind access to an advanced [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com/news/mankind-pharma-to-acquire-70-in-belgian-biotech-firm-for-e48-million/">Mankind Pharma to acquire 70% in Belgian biotech firm for €48 million</a> first appeared on <a href="https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com">M&A Critique</a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Mankind Pharma on Thursday announced plans to acquire a 70 percent stake in Belgium-based Armed Cell Therapeutics (ACTx) for €48 million (Rs 511 crore), marking its entry into next-generation CAR-T cancer therapies and a significant step towards building a global innovation-led pharmaceutical business.</p>
<p>The acquisition, through its Netherlands subsidiary, gives Mankind access to an advanced cell-therapy research platform and a pipeline targeting non-Hodgkin lymphoma and small-cell lung cancer.</p>
<p>The investment represents a shift in Mankind&#8217;s acquisition strategy. Its earlier transactions largely strengthened its domestic pharmaceutical portfolio, including the acquisition of oncology and transplant brands from Panacea Biotec Pharma in 2022 and Bharat Serums and Vaccines (BSV) in 2024.</p>
<p>The BSV acquisition expanded Mankind&#8217;s presence in fertility, women&#8217;s health and complex biologics, while also adding an international business. The latest deal takes it further into the development of experimental cancer therapies.</p>
<p>Mankind already has a commercial presence across European markets, including the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands. However, its business remains predominantly India-focused. Exports accounted for 15 per cent of consolidated revenue in the December 2025 quarter, according to its investor presentation.</p>
<p>The transaction, therefore, deepens its European engagement beyond commercial markets into biotechnology research and development.</p>
<p>ACTx is developing engineered CAR-T cells designed to overcome limitations of existing therapies, including relapse and resistance. Its research programmes span Europe and the US.</p>
<p>“Innovation will be one of the defining growth engines for Mankind over the coming decades,” said Arjun Juneja, chief operating officer, Mankind Pharma.</p>
<p>He said the investment would provide access to differentiated scientific platforms and the potential to develop multiple next-generation CAR-T candidates.</p>
<p>ACTx&#8217;s founders include Paul Stoffels, former chief scientific officer of Johnson &amp; Johnson, and John Mellors, a University of Pittsburgh professor.</p>
<p>The investment also carries development risks, as the therapies remain experimental and will require further clinical validation before commercialisation.</p><p>The post <a href="https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com/news/mankind-pharma-to-acquire-70-in-belgian-biotech-firm-for-e48-million/">Mankind Pharma to acquire 70% in Belgian biotech firm for €48 million</a> first appeared on <a href="https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com">M&A Critique</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
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		<title>Fairfax wins nod to acquire IDBI Bank, but faces challenge of shifting its public-sector culture</title>
		<link>https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com/news/fairfax-wins-nod-to-acquire-idbi-bank-but-faces-challenge-of-shifting-its-public-sector-culture/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=fairfax-wins-nod-to-acquire-idbi-bank-but-faces-challenge-of-shifting-its-public-sector-culture</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[mnacritique]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 16 Oct 2026 07:48:26 +0000</pubDate>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>Fairfax Financial Holdings has cleared the government&#8217;s hurdle to acquire IDBI Bank, but its bigger test lies inside the lender, where unions are already pushing back and the culture remains closer to a state-run entity. Banking experts say integration is hard in any deal, and harder when a bank that has operated in the public [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com/news/fairfax-wins-nod-to-acquire-idbi-bank-but-faces-challenge-of-shifting-its-public-sector-culture/">Fairfax wins nod to acquire IDBI Bank, but faces challenge of shifting its public-sector culture</a> first appeared on <a href="https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com">M&A Critique</a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>
<p>Fairfax Financial Holdings has cleared the government&#8217;s hurdle to acquire IDBI Bank, but its bigger test lies inside the lender, where unions are already pushing back and the culture remains closer to a state-run entity.</p>
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<p>Banking experts say integration is hard in any deal, and harder when a bank that has operated in the public sector for decades must adopt private-sector practices. A unionised workforce adds to the challenge.</p>
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<p>Within hours of the Union Cabinet approving the sale, bank unions voiced their opposition. The United Forum of IDBI Officers &amp; Employees said it “strongly opposes” the sale of a controlling stake to a “foreign entity”. The government sought to reassure employees that their service interests would be protected under the agreement.</p>
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<p>“IDBI is not a typical private bank and remains closer to a PSU in culture, so the harder part for Fairfax will be moving its large unionised workforce to a more private-sector way of working,” said Rajeev Suneja, founder and director of Sparrow Capital Advisors Pvt. Ltd.</p>
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<p>Employee concerns have also surfaced following earlier privatisations. The Tata Group acquired a 100% stake in Air India in January 2022. In 2023, pilots sought Ratan Tata’s intervention over the airline management’s decision to unilaterally change their salary structure and service conditions, PTI reported.</p>
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<p>This is not IDBI Bank’s first restructuring. In 2005, the Industrial Development Bank of India, then a development finance institution, merged with the bank. The lender has since received ₹25,000 crore in capital from the government. In 2019, Life Insurance Corp. of India (LIC) acquired a 51% stake for ₹21,624 crore, in a deal described at the time as a “win-win situation” for both parties.</p>
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<p>Following the change in ownership, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) classified IDBI Bank as a private-sector lender for regulatory purposes. However, a former bank executive who was present during the 2019 transition said the qualification was significant: the change in classification did not necessarily translate into a corresponding shift in the bank’s internal culture.</p>
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<p>IDBI Bank had 20,693 employees as of 31 March, up from 19,731 a year earlier.</p>
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<h2>PSU features</h2>
<p>“IDBI Bank still has a chief vigilance officer appointed by the Central Vigilance Commission. It still comes under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, which the private sector does not,” the former executive said.</p>
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<p>According to a senior consultant, IDBI Bank is a private bank on paper but remains a public-sector entity in spirit. How Fairfax handles the integration will therefore be closely watched, the consultant said.</p>
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<p>The fate of CSB Bank’s current management will also be worth tracking, particularly if Fairfax chooses to merge the two lenders, the consultant added. The decision could indicate whether Fairfax is willing to entrust CSB Bank’s leadership with running a much larger institution.</p>
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<p>Mint reported on Wednesday that private-sector lender CSB Bank Ltd is expected to be merged with IDBI Bank following the Centre’s decision to sell a 60.72% stake in IDBI Bank to Fairfax. The Canadian financial services holding company would either have to sell its 40% stake in Thrissur, Kerala-headquartered CSB Bank or merge it with IDBI Bank, as RBI regulations do not allow an entity to own two banks.</p>
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<p>If the two lenders merge, they will face the usual integration challenges, including cultural differences, technology migration and unions. However, Suneja said the process could be relatively smoother than in a typical bank merger. IDBI Bank is several times the size of CSB Bank, while CSB has already undergone a transition from an older private-sector bank to Fairfax ownership, he said.</p>
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<p>IDBI Bank accounted for 1.2 % of the banking system’s loans and deposits at the end of the three months through June. In comparison, CSB Bank — where Fairfax has a 40% stake — accounted for 0.2% of system loans and deposits.</p>
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<h2>Change was inevitable</h2>
<p>“The government can’t keep pumping in equity now and then to make sure the bank survives or passes through this,” said Nirav Shah, managing director at Equirus Capital.</p>
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<p>Merging two banks also brings cultural challenges, Shah said, adding that changes to processes, systems, technology and operating efficiencies are part of any transaction. Fairfax, he said, could attract strong leadership to overhaul IDBI Bank’s operations. He pointed to the progress Fairfax has made at CSB Bank, which he described as a union-driven, local bank.</p>
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<p>The change in ownership could also broaden the pool of talent available to IDBI Bank. Although public-sector banks hire from the market, differences between market-linked compensation and pay structures for internal cadres can create friction. Banks have also long said that private-sector professionals can find it difficult to adapt to the public-sector way of working.</p>
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<p>A human resources executive said IDBI Bank would be a significant addition to Fairfax’s banking business, giving it a much larger presence in the sector. The new owner would therefore have an incentive to retain employees, the executive said.</p>
</div>
<div id="article-index-22" data-slot="22">
<p>“Banks like IDBI Bank depend a lot on branch network and customer loyalty. Therefore, Fairfax cannot immediately let go of people or bring in immediate drastic changes after taking over,” the executive said.</p>
</div>
<div id="article-index-23" data-slot="23">
<h2>Government assurance</h2>
<p>The government has sought to reassure employees and retirees that their interests will be protected under the new ownership. Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said employees’ service conditions and pensioners’ interests would remain fully protected. These assurances have been incorporated into the share purchase agreement with the strategic buyer, Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) secretary Arunish Chawla said separately.</p>
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<div id="article-index-25" data-slot="25">
<p>“They (employees) have nothing to worry about as far as their employment terms are concerned, they are fully protected,” Chawla said, adding that he had been engaging with bank employee representatives over the past year to address their concerns.</p>
</div>
</div><p>The post <a href="https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com/news/fairfax-wins-nod-to-acquire-idbi-bank-but-faces-challenge-of-shifting-its-public-sector-culture/">Fairfax wins nod to acquire IDBI Bank, but faces challenge of shifting its public-sector culture</a> first appeared on <a href="https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com">M&A Critique</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
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		<title>Aegis Logistics to acquire 89.8% stake in Dubai-based Tristar Holdings for $809 million</title>
		<link>https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com/news/aegis-logistics-to-acquire-89-8-stake-in-dubai-based-tristar-holdings-for-809-million/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=aegis-logistics-to-acquire-89-8-stake-in-dubai-based-tristar-holdings-for-809-million</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[mnacritique]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 15 Oct 2026 06:37:16 +0000</pubDate>
				<guid isPermaLink="false">https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com/?post_type=news&#038;p=84931</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Aegis Logistics on Wednesday said it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire an 89.8% stake in Dubai-based Tristar Holdings for an equity consideration of $809 million, expanding the Indian oil and gas logistics company beyond domestic storage and distribution into international maritime transport, fuel distribution and aviation fuelling. The transaction values Tristar at $1.5 [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com/news/aegis-logistics-to-acquire-89-8-stake-in-dubai-based-tristar-holdings-for-809-million/">Aegis Logistics to acquire 89.8% stake in Dubai-based Tristar Holdings for $809 million</a> first appeared on <a href="https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com">M&A Critique</a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Aegis Logistics on Wednesday said it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire an 89.8% stake in Dubai-based Tristar Holdings for an equity consideration of $809 million, expanding the Indian oil and gas logistics company beyond domestic storage and distribution into international maritime transport, fuel distribution and aviation fuelling.</p>
<p>The transaction values Tristar at $1.5 billion on an enterprise-value basis and $882 million on an equity-value basis, equivalent to about six times its 2025 earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation. The $809 million consideration includes contingent payments and interest on deferred consideration. Aegis will acquire the stake through its wholly owned step-down subsidiary, Aegis Logistics International Pte Ltd, from Agility Tristar Holdings, Gulf Investment Corporation and Diamond Holdings.</p>
<p>The Aegis stock was up 7% as investors reacted positively to the transaction. The company&#8217;s current market capitalisation is Rs 52,200 crore.</p>
<p>ET was the first to report, in its August 18 edition, that Aegis was in advanced talks to acquire Tristar at a $1.5 billion valuation and was exploring acquisition financing with European and Indian private-sector lenders. Sources had told ET that discussions included refinancing or rolling over about $600 million of Tristar&#8217;s existing debt and raising a further $400 million-$500 million, with the balance expected to be funded through equity. The final financing structure has not been disclosed.</p>
<p>Established in 1998, Tristar operates in more than 30 countries, with over 1,000 trucks, 26 ocean-going and coastal vessels, 14 fuel farms and more than 60 remote fuel sites. Through its majority stake in Aquarius Energy, a joint venture with Glencore, it also has access to a fuel storage platform with a capacity of 3.5 million cubic metres. Tristar reported revenue of $1.4 billion in 2025, up from $1.2 billion in 2024, with EBITDA of about $257 million and net profit of $82 million.</p>
<p>Tristar Group CEO Eugene Mayne said the partnership brings together complementary strengths, capabilities and a shared vision for the future, creating significant opportunities to expand its reach and strengthen its position in the energy logistics sector. “Together, we look forward to building a more competitive and globally connected business, while upholding our unwavering commitment to safety, operational excellence and delivering long-term value to our customers,” Mayne said.</p>
<p>BNP Paribas is the exclusive financial adviser to Aegis, with Norton Rose Fulbright and Veritas Legal acting as legal counsel.</p>
<p>For Aegis, the acquisition adds international transport and distribution capabilities to its domestic infrastructure. “The acquisition of Tristar will kick off Aegis&#8217; transformation from a domestically focused operator into an international energy logistics platform,” Raj Chandaria, chairman and managing director of Aegis Logistics, said in the exchange filing. He said the combination was expected to contribute immediately to profitability and provide long-term strategic benefits.</p>
<p>The shipping network could prove particularly valuable as India seeks secure access to imported energy. “The deal provides access to a market that is becoming increasingly significant amid geopolitical developments,” said Shailesh Garg, director at Drewry Maritime Advisors and head of its India operations. India&#8217;s position as a major energy importer could create synergies, he said, while the combination of land and sea operations would take Aegis into segments it had not previously accessed.</p>
<p>Aegis has liquid storage capacity of about 2 million kilolitres, LPG storage capacity of 246,800 tonnes and ammonia capacity of 36,000 tonnes. Its board approved fund-raising of up to Rs 6,000 crore in September, while management has outlined a broader investment opportunity of about $5 billion through December 2030.</p>
<p>The acquisition also reflects the opportunity for Indian logistics companies to build international platforms, provided they can integrate assets and generate returns. “Overseas acquisitions must be backed by disciplined valuations and strong execution,” said Jagannathan Padmanaban, director, transport and logistics, CRISIL Intelligence.</p>
<p>The deal remains subject to competition and antitrust approvals and customary closing conditions. Aegis expects it to be completed in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2027, by March 2027.</p><p>The post <a href="https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com/news/aegis-logistics-to-acquire-89-8-stake-in-dubai-based-tristar-holdings-for-809-million/">Aegis Logistics to acquire 89.8% stake in Dubai-based Tristar Holdings for $809 million</a> first appeared on <a href="https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com">M&A Critique</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
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		<title>Cabinet clears way for Watsa&#8217;s Fairfax&#8217;s Rs 52,878 crore deal for 60.72% stake in IDBI Bank</title>
		<link>https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com/news/cabinet-clears-way-for-watsas-fairfaxs-rs-52878-crore-deal-for-60-72-stake-in-idbi-bank/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=cabinet-clears-way-for-watsas-fairfaxs-rs-52878-crore-deal-for-60-72-stake-in-idbi-bank</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[mnacritique]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 15 Oct 2026 06:25:25 +0000</pubDate>
				<guid isPermaLink="false">https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com/?post_type=news&#038;p=84929</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Canadian billionaire Prem Watsa&#8217;s Fairfax Financial Holdings will acquire a majority 60.72% stake in IDBI Bank for ₹52,878 crore ($5.5 billion), in a deal approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Wednesday, bringing to an end the government&#8217;s four-year divestment effort. Although state-backed, IDBI Bank is classified by the Reserve Bank of India [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com/news/cabinet-clears-way-for-watsas-fairfaxs-rs-52878-crore-deal-for-60-72-stake-in-idbi-bank/">Cabinet clears way for Watsa’s Fairfax’s Rs 52,878 crore deal for 60.72% stake in IDBI Bank</a> first appeared on <a href="https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com">M&A Critique</a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Canadian billionaire Prem Watsa&#8217;s Fairfax Financial Holdings will acquire a majority 60.72% stake in IDBI Bank for ₹52,878 crore ($5.5 billion), in a deal approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Wednesday, bringing to an end the government&#8217;s four-year divestment effort. Although state-backed, IDBI Bank is classified by the Reserve Bank of India as a private sector bank.</p>
<p>This is the largest foreign direct investment (FDI) in the country&#8217;s financial sector and the biggest stake sale by the government. &#8220;This process has been brought to its logical conclusion,&#8221; said finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman. &#8220;We are calling it strategic restructuring as we are still invested in IDBI Bank.&#8221;</p>
<p>Fairfax subsidiary M/s 10955230 Canada Inc will pay ₹81 a share, higher than the average ₹75.99 per share valuation by two independent valuations, the government said.</p>
<div data-align="" data-msid="134951251" data-type="image">
<figure><img decoding="async" class="moz-reader-block-img" title="Fairfax acquires stake in idbi bank under a $5.5 billion deal" src="https://img.etimg.com/photo/msid-134951251/fairfax-acquires-stake-in-idbi-bank-under-a-5-5-billion-deal.jpg" alt="Fairfax acquires stake in idbi bank under a $5.5 billion deal" data-msid="134951251" data-original="https://img.etimg.com/photo/msid-134951251/fairfax-acquires-stake-in-idbi-bank-under-a-5-5-billion-deal.jpg" /></figure>
</div>
<h2><strong>Move Helps Meet Divestment Target</strong></h2>
<p>Fairfax, which currently holds a 40% stake in Kerala-based CSB Bank, will have to either merge it with IDBI Bank or exit the latter within two years of signing the deal under the rules.</p>
<p>The bank&#8217;s stock surged 9% to close at Rs 90.44 apiece on Wednesday, although the deal was announced after market hours. The record flow from the IDBI Bank stake sale is expected to help the government meet its Rs 80,000 crore disinvestment target for the current fiscal year.</p>
<p>Fairfax will pick up a 30.48% stake from the government and another 30.24% from the Life Insurance Corporation of India.</p>
<p>After conclusion of the deal, expected in the current financial year, LIC will have 19% in the bank while the government will be left with 15%.</p>
<p>&#8220;This will not only strengthen the banking ecosystem but also help banking services surpass global benchmarks,&#8221; Sitharaman said. &#8220;It reinforces that India&#8217;s growth story is strong, its economy is resilient, and the government&#8217;s commitment to reform is unwavering.&#8221; She was speaking after the CCEA, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the stake sale on Wednesday.</p>
<p>The deal marks a significant milestone in the government&#8217;s efforts to lower state ownership in commercial enterprises in non-strategic sectors.</p>
<p>The CCEA has also authorised the so-called alternative mechanism, an empowered group of cabinet ministers, to offload IDBI shares &#8211; from the remaining 15% stake that the government will hold after the divestment &#8211; through the open market.</p>
<p>The deal will need to be approved by RBI, which will conduct a &#8220;fit and proper&#8221; assessment, as well as the Competition Commission of India and other statutory authorities.</p>
<div data-align="" data-msid="134951256" data-type="image">
<figure><img decoding="async" class="moz-reader-block-img" title="IDBI Bank deal with fairfax - check full details" src="https://img.etimg.com/photo/msid-134951256/idbi-bank-deal-with-fairfax-check-full-details.jpg" alt="IDBI Bank deal with fairfax - check full details" data-msid="134951256" data-original="https://img.etimg.com/photo/msid-134951256/idbi-bank-deal-with-fairfax-check-full-details.jpg" /></figure>
</div>
<p>Fairfax will be required to present its credentials to the central bank and submit a roadmap for meeting the regulator&#8217;s requirements before the sale can be finalised. As per RBI norms, promoters can hold no more than 26% in a bank. Fairfax will get up to 15 years to comply with this condition, Department of Investment and Public Asset Management secretary Arunish Chawla said, adding that there will be a lock-in period of five years for the promoter.</p>
<p>The new promoter will also have to retain the name, brand and customer relations for at least three years, he said. Employees don&#8217;t have to worry, Chawla said, adding that the management transfer had been discussed with all stakeholders.</p>
<p>LIC will have to cut its stake to 15% from 19% in IDBI Bank in two years.</p>
<p>After completing the transaction, likely before the end of FY27, the government will exit from the IDBI Bank board.</p>
<p>The ministry said RBI&#8217;s regulatory supervision, deposit insurance and priority-sector lending requirements will remain unchanged. Deposits will continue to be insured up to Rs 5 lakh per depositor under the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation framework.</p>
<p>IDBI Bank will also continue to provide services to government welfare schemes. These include the Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, the Atal Pension Yojana, PM Mudra Yojana loans for micro and small enterprises, and GeM Sahay, collateral-free, digital working capital loans based on government e-marketplace transaction records.</p>
<p>The finance ministry said five contenders had initially submitted expressions of interest for IDBI, with four of them qualifying. Two were picked as qualified bidders, the ministry said.</p>
<p>Bids were initially invited last fiscal FY26, when the reserve price was fixed at Rs 94.42 per share. Offers fell short of the reserve price and were not accepted.</p>
<p>Qualified bidders were asked to submit their best offers in the current fiscal year. These revised offers were considered by the cabinet committee.</p>
<p>According to the statement, IDBI Bank&#8217;s financial position has improved since it was placed under RBI&#8217;s Prompt Corrective Action framework in May 2017. The restrictions were lifted in March 2021 following the improvement. Gross non-performing assets declined from 31.78% in September 2018 to 2.32% in March 2026, while net non-performing assets fell from 17.30% to 0.15%.</p>
<p>Its capital adequacy ratio rose from 6.22% in 2018 to 26.65% in March this year. The bank reported a net profit of Rs 9,513 crore in FY26, while total business crossed Rs 6.27 lakh crore as of September 30, up 18% year-on-year.</p><p>The post <a href="https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com/news/cabinet-clears-way-for-watsas-fairfaxs-rs-52878-crore-deal-for-60-72-stake-in-idbi-bank/">Cabinet clears way for Watsa’s Fairfax’s Rs 52,878 crore deal for 60.72% stake in IDBI Bank</a> first appeared on <a href="https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com">M&A Critique</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
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		<title>CSB Bank merger with IDBI Bank likely after Fairfax deal</title>
		<link>https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com/news/csb-bank-merger-with-idbi-bank-likely-after-fairfax-deal/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=csb-bank-merger-with-idbi-bank-likely-after-fairfax-deal</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[mnacritique]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 15 Oct 2026 06:22:21 +0000</pubDate>
				<guid isPermaLink="false">https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com/?post_type=news&#038;p=84928</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>CSB Bank Ltd is expected to be merged with IDBI Bank following the Centre’s decision on Wednesday to sell its 60.72% stake in the latter to Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd, said two people aware of the development. The Canadian financial services holding company will either have to sell its 40% stake in the Thrissur, Kerala-headquartered [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com/news/csb-bank-merger-with-idbi-bank-likely-after-fairfax-deal/">CSB Bank merger with IDBI Bank likely after Fairfax deal</a> first appeared on <a href="https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com">M&A Critique</a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>
<p>CSB Bank Ltd is expected to be merged with IDBI Bank following the Centre’s decision on Wednesday to sell its 60.72% stake in the latter to Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd, said two people aware of the development.</p>
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<div id="article-index-1" data-slot="1">
<p>The Canadian financial services holding company will either have to sell its 40% stake in the Thrissur, Kerala-headquartered private sector bank or merge it with IDBI Bank, as Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regulations do not allow an entity to own two banks.</p>
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<p>While Fairfax has the option to pare its stake, a merger is likely to be favoured. “Fairfax is more likely to merge CSB with IDBI Bank. Now that it is known that CSB’s shareholding needs to change as part of the IDBI Bank deal, a potential stake sale would not yield good valuations,” said Abizer Diwanji, founder of advisory firm NeoStrat Advisors.</p>
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<div id="article-index-4" data-slot="4">
<h2>Case for a merger</h2>
<p>CSB’s book is also complementary to IDBI&#8217;s, as they are largely present in southern India, said Diwanji, who had also worked on the 2005 merger of IDBI Bank with its parent development finance institution, the Industrial Development Bank of India (IDBI).</p>
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<div id="article-index-5" data-slot="5">
<p>At the end of the June quarter, CSB Bank had 868 branches, with 31% in Kerala, 16% in Tamil Nadu, 13% in Andhra Pradesh, and 11% each in Maharashtra and Karnataka. The remaining 22% were distributed across other states, its first-quarter presentation showed.</p>
</div>
<div id="article-index-6" data-slot="6">
<p>A similar breakdown is not available for IDBI Bank, whose loan portfolio also differs from CSB Bank’s. Once dominated by corporate lending, IDBI Bank has shifted towards retail loans over the years. As of 30 June, corporate loans accounted for 30% of its ₹2.6 trillion loan book, down from 38% five years ago.</p>
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<p>At 54%, gold loans accounted for the largest share of CSB Bank’s ₹40,867 crore book as of 30 June.</p>
</div>
<div id="article-index-8" data-slot="8">
<p>Together, IDBI Bank and CSB Bank have a loan book of ₹3 trillion and a deposit base of ₹3.7 trillion. While IDBI Bank is valued at 1.11 times its book value, CSB Bank commands a slightly higher valuation of 1.26 times, according to data from financial database Ace Equity.</p>
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<div id="article-index-10" data-slot="10">
<p>“Since Fairfax holds a controlling stake in CSB, paring it down will take time and could also be difficult given the valuation constraints,” said one of the two persons cited above on the condition of anonymity, adding that a merger between the two entities looks like the most probable outcome.</p>
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<p>“It now needs to be seen how much time the regulator (RBI) gives it (Fairfax) to bring the merger into effect,” the person added.</p>
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<div id="article-index-12" data-slot="12">
<p>Meanwhile, Pralay Mondal, chief executive of CSB Bank, told analysts in July that questions about the bank&#8217;s fate should be directed to Fairfax and that CSB has never had any conversation, negotiation, or discussion on this point.</p>
</div>
<div id="article-index-13" data-slot="13">
<p>Mondal said he asked Fairfax this question and was told to continue business as usual. “Nothing changes for you,” Mondal, who had earlier held senior roles at Axis Bank and Yes Bank, quoted Fairfax as having told him.</p>
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<div id="article-index-14" data-slot="14">
<p>“For example, when doing the tech transformation, we asked them that IDBI is Infosys, so should we take Infosys or Oracle? Finally, we took Oracle. Fairfax has left the decision to the management to decide how to run the bank,” said Mondal.</p>
</div>
<div id="article-index-16" data-slot="16">
<p>Over the past six months, IDBI Bank shares on BSE have risen 21.6% to ₹90.44 apiece at Wednesday’s close, while CSB Bank shares have fallen 22.2% to ₹320.95.</p>
</div>
<div id="article-index-17" data-slot="17">
<p>Founded more than a century ago as Catholic Syrian Bank, CSB Bank has undergone several changes. Fairfax bought a stake in the lender for ₹1,210 crore in 2018 and held a 50.1% stake ahead of its 2019 initial public offering (IPO). That year, the bank was rebranded as CSB Bank.</p>
</div>
<div id="article-index-18" data-slot="18">
<p>Professional services firm KPMG acted as an advisor to the Centre in this transaction.</p>
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<div id="article-index-19" data-slot="19">
<p><i>Mint</i>&#8216;s queries emailed to Fairfax and CSB Bank weren&#8217;t answered immediately.</p>
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<div id="article-index-20" data-slot="20">
<h2><strong>Case for a stake sale</strong></h2>
<p>Not everyone is betting on the merger, though. Some are expecting the sale of the CSB Bank stake to an external investor.</p>
</div>
<div id="article-index-21" data-slot="21">
<p>“CSB Bank is an institution with the right kind of governance and has always had a strong presence in the segments it chose to focus on,” said Vivek Iyer, partner and financial services risk leader at Grant Thornton Bharat.</p>
</div>
<div id="article-index-23" data-slot="23">
<p>Iyer said that any investor who comes in will still have significant upside, since CSB can expand its view of the markets where it seeks to generate greater returns for the institution and the investor.</p>
</div>
<div id="article-index-24" data-slot="24">
<p>Others see the deal as significant not just because it provides control of a large bank, but because it could complete the foundations of a diversified financial-services ecosystem in India.</p>
</div>
<div id="article-index-25" data-slot="25">
<p>“The acquiring entity already has an established presence across banking, lending, wealth and capital markets,” said Pratik Shah, partner and national leader, financial services, EY India.</p>
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<div id="article-index-26" data-slot="26">
<p>The bank, said Shah, adds what every financial conglomerate ultimately needs: a national banking platform with a deposit franchise of over ₹3.25 trillion and a capital adequacy ratio of 26.65%, providing both funding strength and growth capacity.</p>
</div>
</div><p>The post <a href="https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com/news/csb-bank-merger-with-idbi-bank-likely-after-fairfax-deal/">CSB Bank merger with IDBI Bank likely after Fairfax deal</a> first appeared on <a href="https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com">M&A Critique</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
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		<title>IHC, First Abu Dhabi eye stake in Bandhan Bank promoter</title>
		<link>https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com/news/ihc-first-abu-dhabi-eye-stake-in-bandhan-bank-promoter/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=ihc-first-abu-dhabi-eye-stake-in-bandhan-bank-promoter</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[mnacritique]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 13 Oct 2026 07:27:35 +0000</pubDate>
				<guid isPermaLink="false">https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com/?post_type=news&#038;p=84903</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>IHC, the investment company of Abu Dhabi’s national security adviser and deputy ruler Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed al-Nahyan, is among those in early-stage discussions to buy into the promoter of Bandhan Bank, Bandhan Financial Services (BFSL), which owns a little more than a third of the private lender, said people aware of the development. The [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com/news/ihc-first-abu-dhabi-eye-stake-in-bandhan-bank-promoter/">IHC, First Abu Dhabi eye stake in Bandhan Bank promoter</a> first appeared on <a href="https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com">M&A Critique</a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>IHC, the investment company of Abu Dhabi’s national security adviser and deputy ruler Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed al-Nahyan, is among those in early-stage discussions to buy into the promoter of Bandhan Bank, Bandhan Financial Services (BFSL), which owns a little more than a third of the private lender, said people aware of the development. The move is aimed at giving early stage financial investors an opportunity to sell stakes.</p>
<p>ET was first to report in its March 13 edition that BFSL was looking to give its long term investors an exit.</p>
<p>BFSL, led by Bandhan founder Chandra Shekhar Ghosh, has been working with advisers Jefferies to find strategic investors for 25-32%.</p>
<div data-align="" data-msid="134901881" data-type="image">
<figure><img decoding="async" class="moz-reader-block-img" title="Bandhan Bank, Bandhan Financial Services (BFSL)&lt;br&gt;" src="https://img.etimg.com/photo/msid-134901881/bandhan-bank-bandhan-financial-services-bfslbr.jpg" alt="Bandhan Bank, Bandhan Financial Services (BFSL)&lt;br&gt;" data-msid="134901881" data-original="https://img.etimg.com/photo/msid-134901881/bandhan-bank-bandhan-financial-services-bfslbr.jpg" /></figure>
<div>
<p>Early investors GIC &amp; IFC jointly hold 30% in BFSL, keen to exit</p>
</div>
</div>
<h2>Up to $600m of Stake</h2>
<p>That will open up an exit option for GIC of Singapore and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), backers of the firm for more than a decade. Together, these two held 30.3% of BFSL at the end of March, and have been seeking a full or partial exit, said the people cited. Their stake alone could be worth $500-600 million, they said.</p>
<p>Other investors include Small Industries Development Bank of India (Sidbi), which owns 8.1%. Financial Inclusion Trust and North East Financial Inclusion Trust own a total 40.7%. The Bandhan Employees’ Welfare Trust holds 14.6%. If other shareholders also choose to exit, it will lead to a much larger transaction.</p>
<p>BFSL has two subsidiaries–Bandhan Technologies, an IT services and AI-led technology company, and Bandhan Financial Holdings, the holding company of Bandhan Bank, Bandhan AMC, Bandhan Mutual Fund Trustee, Bandhan Investment Managers (Mauritius) and Bandhan Life Insurance.</p>
<p>As of March 31, BFSL owned 59.98% of Bandhan AMC and 97.16% of Bandhan Life Insurance Co. Singapore’s GIC and Chrys Capital are other investors in the asset management firm.</p>
<p>Bandhan Financial Holdings Ltd had a stake of 37.5% in the bank at the end of June. As per the bank’s licensing agreement with the Reserve Bank of India, it must reduce the stake to 26% by 2030.</p>
<p>Banks and sovereign funds have been widely canvassed in the Gulf for a stake in BFSL, said the people cited. They are said to include First Abu Dhabi Bank and Qatar Investment Authority as well as a few PE buyout funds such as Carlyle, EQT.</p>
<p>“We don’t comment on market speculation,” Bandhan Bank chairman Ghosh told ET.</p>
<p>A First Abu Dhabi Bank spokesperson said in reply to ET’s queries, “As a matter of policy, we do not comment on individual client relationships, transactions, or market speculation.”</p>
<p>IHC and other entities cited above didn’t respond to queries.</p>
<p>The discussions are at an early stage and there is no guarantee it will lead to a transaction, said the people cited.</p>
<p>“Discussions are picking up momentum, but the contours are evolving,” said one investor who’s examining the deal. “It’s a complicated one and a lot depends on the regulator too.”</p>
<p>Having started out as a microfinance lender in 2001, Bandhan became a full-fledged private sector bank in August 2015. It has one of the largest microfinance loan books in India&#8211;Rs 35,000 crore on June 30. The total loan book of the bank stands at Rs 1.56 lakh crore with total deposits of Rs 1.65 lakh crore. Bandhan has a capital adequacy ratio of 18.2% with common tier 1 ratio of 17.5% on June 30. The bank has 1,988 branches and a total customer base of 31.8 million.</p>
<p>The bank slashed its FY27 return on assets (RoA) guidance while announcing its June quarter results in July, triggering a 15% plunge in the stock to Rs 177.50, its sharpest intraday decline since the Covid-19 market crash in March 2020. On Monday, it ended at Rs 157, up 13.32% year to date, for a market value of Rs 25,351.40 crore.</p>
<p>The guidance was driven primarily by external factors such as elevated technology cost and moderation in NIM outlook. Also, FY27 loan growth guidance was cut to the lower end of the 14-15% range guided earlier due to a slowdown owing to rising asset quality risk from higher energy costs and supply chain disruptions as well as uncertain monsoons.</p>
<p>“Bandhan underscored that the growth cut was pre-emptive and that on the ground, asset-quality trends remain benign, including improving delinquency trends in both newer as well as older vintages, with the credit cost guidance retained at 1.6-1.8%,” said Anuj Singla and Harsh Wardhan Modi, analysts at JP Morgan. “Guidance cut was the key focus.”</p>
<h2>Gulf Corridor</h2>
<p>Bandhan Technologies recently opened an office in Abu Dhabi. It also signed a strategic partnership in September 2026 with KMK Group, a subsidiary of the Khalid Al Hamed Group, in Abu Dhabi.</p>
<p>Following the acquisition of RBL Bank by Emirates NBD, West Asian financial institutions have been actively scouting investment opportunities in lending and financial technology services firms. Emirates NBD completed its investment of $2.75 billion in RBL Bank in June after securing regulatory approvals, while IHC has committed $1 billion for a controlling stake in Sammaan Capital.</p>
<p>“The UAE believes in India and is one of our largest foreign direct investment sources of capital. They have already invested $25 billion and are the seventh-largest source of FDI. They have also given intent to invest another $25 billion in the near future,” Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said last month after co-chairing the 14th India-UAE High-Level Joint Task Force on Investments with Abu Dhabi Investment Authority Managing Director Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.</p>
<p>Goyal said the UAE aims to take its investments in India to $100 billion.</p><p>The post <a href="https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com/news/ihc-first-abu-dhabi-eye-stake-in-bandhan-bank-promoter/">IHC, First Abu Dhabi eye stake in Bandhan Bank promoter</a> first appeared on <a href="https://mnacritique.mergersindia.com">M&A Critique</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
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