Ant Group Unwinds: Paytm Shares in Focus After $246 Million Block Deal Blitz

Image Source: Business Standard

China’s Ant Group has executed a significant divestment in India’s fintech major Paytm, selling approximately 25.5 million shares-equivalent to a 4% stake-for $242–$246 million. The shares were sold at ₹809.75 each, marking a 6.5% discount to Paytm’s previous closing price of ₹866.05 on the NSE. The bulk deal, managed by Goldman Sachs India Securities and Citigroup Global Markets India, took place on May 13, 2025, as Ant Group continues to pare down its holdings in the Indian digital payments firm.

Key Highlights:

Stake Sale Details: The transaction involved 25.5 million shares, raising about ₹2,066 crore ($242–$246 million). The identity of the buyer(s) has not been disclosed.
Strategic Exit: Ant Group, an Alibaba affiliate, has steadily reduced its Paytm stake over the past two years. In August 2023, it sold a 10.3% stake to Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma. As of March 2025, Antfin (Netherlands) Holding BV held 9.85% in Paytm’s parent, One97 Communications, now reduced to around 5.85% post-sale.
Market Impact: Paytm shares had rallied 4% on Monday ahead of the deal but slipped 5% in early trade on Tuesday as news of the discounted sale broke.
Investor Landscape: The exit follows a pattern of major global investors-including Berkshire Hathaway and SoftBank-offloading their Paytm stakes, making the company increasingly Indian-owned.
Paytm’s Performance: The sale comes days after Paytm reported a narrower Q4 FY25 loss of ₹540 crore, with revenue down 16% year-on-year but up 5% sequentially.