Ant Financial Sells 5.84% Stake in Paytm for Rs. 3,803 Crores.
Banking & Finance
Antfin (Netherlands) Holding B.V., formerly known as Ant Financial and a subsidiary of Alibaba Group, has exited a significant portion of its investment in Pay Through Mobile (Paytm) by selling a 5.84% stake worth Rs. 3,803 crores through open market transactions on August 5, 2025. The deal took place in two slots at an average selling price of Rs. 1,020 per share.
- Antfin (Netherlands) Holding B.V., a subsidiary of Alibaba Group, sold 3.73 crore shares of Paytm, officially known as One97 Communications Ltd., amounting to 5.84% equity.
- The total transaction value reached Rs. 3,803 crores (approximately USD 455 million), marking a strategic reduction in the company’s stake through open market trades.
- The buyers included Societe Generale, which acquired 1.06% equity (67.50 lakh shares) for Rs. 720.56 crores, and MY Asian Opportunities Master Fund LP, a subsidiary of MY Alpha Management, which purchased 0.55% equity (35 lakh shares) for Rs. 373.62 crores. These acquisitions were executed in two separate tranches in compliance with market regulations.
Main Point :- (i) This transaction is part of Antfin’s gradual divestment strategy from Paytm. Previously holding a major stake, Antfin has been reducing its ownership in line with its global investment restructuring. The exit aligns with evolving market conditions and strategic portfolio adjustments undertaken by its parent company, Alibaba Group.
(ii) According to Indian ownership regulations, the reduced stake of Antfin in Paytm allows for higher domestic shareholding, paving the way for smoother regulatory approvals and improved governance. The shift is expected to enhance investor confidence and attract broader Indian participation in Paytm’s equity structure.
CEO: Eric Jing
Headquarters: Hangzhou, China
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