Singtel Sells 1.2% Stake in Bharti Airtel for $1.54 Billion, Reaffirms Long-Term Commitment
Singapore Telecommunications Ltd (Singtel) has offloaded a 1.2 per cent direct stake in Bharti Airtel for S$2 billion (approximately $1.54 billion), through its wholly owned unit Pastel. The 71 million shares were sold at ₹1,814 apiece — a 2.85 per cent discount to Airtel’s previous closing price. The deal generated an estimated gain of S$1.4 billion for Singtel and reduced its overall holding in Airtel from 29.5 per cent to 28.3 per cent, with the remaining stake now valued at about S$48 billion.
Despite the stake reduction, Singtel reaffirmed its role as a long-term strategic investor in Airtel, citing a relationship that spans over two decades. “This transaction allows us to crystallise value at an attractive valuation while remaining a significant shareholder of Airtel,” said Arthur Lang, Group CFO of Singtel. He added that the deal strengthens Airtel’s shareholder base with the entry of new long-term investors, including domestic mutual funds and global institutions.
This is the latest in a series of divestments by Singtel, which previously raised S$3.5 billion through stake sales to Bharti Telecom and GQG Partners in 2022 and 2024. The proceeds have supported Singtel’s 5G rollout and digital expansion. Meanwhile, Bharti Airtel shares dipped 2.8 per cent to ₹1,816.60 following the news, despite the company recently posting a 432 per cent year-on-year surge in net profit for Q4 FY2024–25.
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