Race for Shriram Housing Finance: Mubadala in talks to join front-runner Warburg Pincus as co-investor
UAE’s Mubadala Investment Company is reportedly in discussions to join forces with Warburg Pincus, aiming to secure a controlling interest in Shriram Finance’s subsidiary, Shriram Housing Finance. This move places the US private equity giant, Warburg Pincus, in a favorable position for this significant acquisition, with Bain Capital also competing for the stake.
Recent developments have indicated that Shriram Finance, known for its strong presence in the retail NBFC sector, is exploring opportunities to enhance the value of Shriram Housing Finance. The company has initiated the process to divest a controlling stake in the subsidiary, engaging prominent financial advisors Avendus Capital, Barclays Bank, and JM Financial for the sale process.
The potential partnership between Mubadala and Warburg Pincus highlights a strategic move, as Mubadala considers this investment opportunity worth exploring. “Mubadala sees value in this opportunity and is looking to join hands with Warburg Pincus,” shared an insider. The formation of a Warburg Pincus-led consortium could also welcome additional investors, further strengthening the bid.
Mubadala’s possible direct investment alongside Warburg Pincus underscores the close relationship between the two, showcasing the dynamics of limited partners engaging in substantial collaborative investments. This strategy not only diversifies the risk but also scales down the capital requirement from individual entities in high-value deals.
Estimates suggest that the transaction could be valued between Rs 5,000 crore to Rs 6,000 crore. However, details from Mubadala and Shriram Finance remain sparse, with the latter citing a silent period ahead of its quarterly earnings announcement.
Shriram Finance, predominantly engaged in commercial vehicle financing, holds an 84.82 percent stake in Shriram Housing Finance. The latter also presents an exit opportunity for Valiant Capital Management, a San Francisco-based private equity firm holding a 14.94 percent stake.
An analysis by Motilal Oswal Financial Services emphasizes the strategic positioning of Shriram Finance post-merger. The expected divestiture in Shriram Housing could unlock considerable value, enhancing capital adequacy and fostering positive interactions with credit rating agencies.
Should negotiations succeed, this deal would mark Mubadala’s continued interest in the Indian financial sector, following its participation in a funding round for IPO-bound Avanse Financial Services. Notably, Avanse is another entity with backing from Warburg Pincus, underlining the recurrent collaborations between the two investors.
Mubadala, holding assets exceeding $284 billion, aims to double its exposure in Asia by 2030. Its investments in India span various sectors, including significant stakes in Jio Platforms, Reliance Retail, Tata Power’s renewable energy business, and other strategic interests. Khaled Abdulla Al Qubaisi of Mubadala shared insights into their investment philosophy in India, focusing on partnering with leading groups and engaging in governance without seeking control.
Shriram Housing Finance, emerging post the Shriram Group’s restructuring, specializes in providing residential loans and caters predominantly to the self-employed segment in Tier II and Tier III cities. The company’s focus remains on servicing lower-income groups with affordable loan options. Recent financial results reflect a significant uptick in performance, setting a positive precedent for potential investors.
As discussions progress, the potential acquisition of Shriram Housing Finance by Warburg Pincus, with Mubadala possibly in tow, could signify a pivotal development in India’s NBFC sector. This collaboration between global investment giants emphasizes the attractiveness of India’s financial services landscape to international investors.
