Prudential plc has announced plans to acquire a 75% stake in Bharti Life Insurance Company as part of a strategic repositioning of its India operations. The company said the stake will be acquired from Bharti Life Ventures and funds managed by 360 ONE Asset Management, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions.
The transaction marks a significant expansion of Prudential’s presence in India’s life insurance sector and will give the company majority ownership and operational control of Bharti Life. Prudential said the move is aimed at strengthening its ability to address India’s growing demand for savings and protection products through a wider product portfolio and multiple distribution channels.
According to the company, Bharti Life operates through a diversified multi-channel distribution model that includes proprietary distribution, bancassurance partnerships, brokers, corporate agents and group business. The insurer offers protection and long term savings products and is backed by Bharti Enterprises along with minority investments from funds managed by 360 ONE Asset Management.
Prudential said Bharti Life reported a 44% year on year increase in new business premium to Rs 1,069 crore for the financial year ended March 31, 2026, with growth running at nearly three times the industry average. The company also reported an embedded value of Rs 3,102 crore as of September 30, 2025.
The transaction involves an initial cash consideration of Rs 3,500 crore, approximately $389 million, payable upon completion. Prudential said the acquisition will be funded through existing resources. The agreement also includes a potential additional consideration of up to Rs 700 crore linked to the fulfilment of certain conditions.
As part of the arrangement, Bharti Life is also expected to explore strategic distribution partnerships with Bharti Airtel and 360 ONE. Prudential said the collaboration is expected to leverage Bharti’s local reach along with Prudential’s insurance and operational capabilities to expand access to insurance offerings in India.
Anil Wadhwani, Prudential plc’s CEO 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.””
He further added, “Through this acquisition, we aim to contribute further to The Viksit Bharat Initiative¹ and, by extending access to our products and services to customers in India, act as a catalyst for achieving ‘Insurance for All by 2047’. Our joint partnership with the ICICI group of companies, has, for many decades, provided high-quality financial services solutions in India. We deeply appreciate this partnership and value our relationship with them.”
