Indian Continent Investment Ltd (ICIL), a promoter of Bharti Airtel, sold 34.3 million shares (0.56% stake) via a block deal at ₹2,097.81 per share. The ₹7,190 crore transaction came at a slight discount, triggering a 3% dip in Bharti Airtel’s share price
Indian Continent Investment Ltd (ICIL), the family office of Sunil Bharti Mittal and a key promoter group entity, executed a major block deal to offload 34.3 million shares, equivalent to 0.56% of Bharti Airtel ’s outstanding share capital. The shares were sold at a floor price of ₹2,097.81 per share—about 3% below the previous closing price of ₹2,161.60—totaling approximately ₹7,190 crore (USD 806 million).
This marks the third such stake sale by ICIL within 2025, following previous large transactions in August and February that collectively raised more than ₹19,700 crore. After the sale, ICIL’s stake dropped to roughly 0.92% in Bharti Airtel, with total promoter holdings (including Bharti Telecom Ltd and Singtel’s affiliate Pastel Ltd) now at 50.27%.
Market analysts interpret these block deals as strategic moves to reshape the company's shareholding and improve liquidity ahead of upcoming tariff hikes and premiumization strategies. Bharti Airtel is expected to generate robust free cash flow over FY26–FY27 as mobile services grow and African operations expand.
Key Highlights
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ICIL sells 34.3 million Bharti Airtel shares (0.56% stake) for ₹7,190 crore
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Shares offloaded at a ₹2,097.81 floor price—a 3% discount to previous close
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Bharti Airtel’s stock dips as market absorbs large block deal
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ICIL’s ownership shrinks to 0.92%, total promoter holding now 50.27%
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Strategic rebalancing of Bharti Airtel’s capital structure ahead of growth plans
Source: Reuters, Economic Times, Financial Express, India Infoline.