Big Money Moves! Billion-Dollar IPOs and Block Trades Take Center Stage

Image Source: ET Retail

India’s stock market is witnessing a surge in investor activity, with block trades and IPOs gaining momentum after months of sluggish deal-making. In May 2025, companies raised $6.4 billion through share sales, the highest monthly total since December 2024. Block trades alone accounted for $5 billion, making it the busiest month for such deals since March last year.

The renewed investor appetite comes after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) slashed interest rates, injecting liquidity into the banking system. This move has fueled a rally in Indian equities, with the NSE Nifty 50 Index rebounding from April lows.

Some of the biggest recent block trades include:

- British American Tobacco Plc’s $1.5 billion sale of ITC Ltd shares
- Singapore Telecommunications Ltd’s $1.5 billion stake sale in Bharti Airtel
- IndiGo co-founder Rakesh Gangwal’s $1.4 billion share disposal

The IPO market is also picking up pace. HDB Financial Services Ltd has secured regulatory approval for a $1.5 billion listing, while Prudential Plc’s Indian asset management venture is preparing for an IPO expected to raise $1.2 billion.

Despite the recovery, total share sales in India remain 29% lower than last year’s record $66 billion. However, analysts predict a stronger second half, with billion-dollar IPOs expected later this year.

Sources: The Hindu BusinessLine, Business Standard, Moneycontrol