Prudential to acquire controlling stake in Bharti Life

Prudential plc has agreed to acquire a 75% stake in Bharti Life from Bharti Life Ventures and 360 ONE Asset Management for an initial cash consideration of ₹3,500 crore (~$389 million), as the insurer repositions its India operations.

The transaction would give Prudential majority ownership and operational control of an Indian life insurer, alongside its existing minority stakes in ICICI Prudential Asset Management and ICICI Prudential Life Insurance.

The acquisition supports Prudential’s long term strategy in India, where it sees growing demand for savings and protection products.

As part of the transaction, Bharti Life will also explore strategic distribution agreements with Bharti Airtel and 360 ONE. Prudential noted that regulatory approvals may require it to reduce its stake in ICICI Prudential Life to below 10%.

Bharti Life reported a 44% year over year increase in new business premium to ₹1,069 crore for the financial year ended March 31, 2026, according to the announcement.