Govt eyes 2-3% LIC stake sale to meet shareholding norm

The stake sale may be carried out in multiple small tranches rather than a single offering

- Subhash Narayan & Rhik Kundu

The central government may divest 2-3% of its stake in Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) in 2025-26, depending on market conditions, as part of its efforts to meet the mandated 10% public shareholding requirement by 2027, two people familiar with the matter told Mint.

The stake sale may be carried out in multiple small tranches rather than a single offering during the upcoming fiscal year, provided market conditions are favourable, as the Centre aims to maximize the value of its shareholding in the insurer.

"The government wants to maximize the value of LIC stock. Given the company's size and market capitalization, any share sale will be significant for the market," the first person mentioned above said, requesting anonymity.

"However, rather than a single offering, the sale may be executed in two tranches to ensure optimal value realization. In case of adverse market conditions, the government could seek for further extension," the person mentioned above added.