Prudential buys 75% stake in Bharti Life Insurance for ₹3,500 crore

Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder and Chairman, Bharti Enterprises | Photo Credit: -

In the first major insurance sector deal after the government notified 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) in insurance, Bharti Enterprises on Sunday announced that Prudential plc, has agreed to acquire a 75 per cent stake in Bharti Life Insurance Company Ltd from Bharti Life Ventures Pvt Ltd and 360 ONE Asset Management, for an initial cash consideration of ₹3,500 crore payable on completion.

There is potential additional consideration payable of up to ₹700 crore, dependent on the fulfilment of certain conditions, said Prudential, adding that it maintains a strong balance sheet and low leverage. As of December 31, 2025, Prudential had holding company cash and short-term investments of $4.3 billion.

Bharati Life will be fifth Insurance company with 75 per cent FDI.

Following completion, Prudential’s Indian operations will consist of majority-owned Bharti Life Insurance Company and Prudential HCL Health Insurance, and minority shareholdings in two listed entities, namely 35 per cent of ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company and 22 per cent in ICICI Prudential Life Insurance (ICICIPru Life), the companies said.

The transaction will be funded from existing resources, said Prudential, adding that the transaction is expected to deliver compelling strategic and financial benefits for Prudential over time. Further details will be provided when regulatory consent has been received for the transaction, they added.

“We are delighted to welcome Prudential Plc as the controlling shareholder of Bharti Life, further accelerating its growth trajectory. 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,” Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder and Chairman, Bharti Enterprises, said.

Strategic tie-up

This partnership opens new opportunities for Bharti Life’s employees and further reinforces the strategic relationship between India and the UK, he added.

This transaction comes with India’s life insurance sector undergoing rapid transformation, driven by digital adoption, increasing awareness, and rising demand for financial protection solutions. The market continues to present strong structural growth opportunities, supported by favourable demographics and relatively low life insurance penetration, indicating significant unmet demand, the companies said.

“India is a strategically important and exciting market for Prudential. 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,” Anil Wadhwani, CEO, Prudential, said.

The company’s joint partnership with the ICICI group of companies, has, for many decades, provided high-quality financial services solutions in India, he added.

Published on May 17, 2026