The proposed sale of a 60.72% stake in IDBI Bank to Fairfax Financial Holdings could face a delay. This comes as the government reviews the valuation offered by the Canadian investor.
Fairfax reportedly offered around Rs. 81 per share for the controlling stake held by the Centre and Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC). The proposal values the stake at nearly Rs. 3,000 crore. However, the government has yet to reach an agreement with Fairfax on the valuation.
A high-level meeting took place at the Finance Ministry on Monday to assess Fairfax’s reported offer and determine whether it meets the government’s valuation expectations. The discussions assume significance as the stake sale forms part of the Centre’s broader disinvestment strategy.
The proposed transaction would give Fairfax control of IDBI Bank and mark one of the largest overseas acquisitions in India’s banking sector.
IDBI Bank shares reacted sharply to the valuation concerns. The stock fell 10.56% on Tuesday to close at Rs. 81.12, broadly matching Fairfax’s reported offer price. The decline reflected investor concerns over the price at which the controlling stake could change hands.
Fairfax, led by Prem Watsa, aims for a larger restructuring of its Indian financial-services businesses. The group reportedly plans to consolidate its banking operations if it completes the IDBI Bank acquisition.
Fairfax owns about 40% of CSB Bank and has considered merging the lender with IDBI Bank after the acquisition. Such a combination could allow Fairfax to operate its banking interests under a single banking licence.
Experts suggest that Fairfax could sell its stake in IIFL Finance to help fund the IDBI Bank transaction. However, IIFL Finance clarified on Wednesday that no negotiations were made with Fairfax over such an exit, countering those reports.
Also Read: IDBI Bank Stake Sale: Open Offer for Shareholders Remains Possible