Bharti Airtel Limited has finalized the acquisition of 16.3% shareholding in its UK-listed subsidiary, Airtel Africa plc, from Indian Continent Investment Limited (ICIL). This strategic move involved issuing 146,761,335 fully paid-up equity shares of Bharti Airtel to ICIL on a preferential basis. The transaction has increased Bharti Airtel’s effective stake in Airtel Africa to approximately 79%, solidifying its control over the African subsidiary.
Key Transaction Update
Bharti Airtel Limited announced on June 23, 2026, the successful completion of a composite transaction involving the acquisition of a significant stake in its subsidiary, Airtel Africa plc. The company has acquired 595,204,251 shares, representing approximately 16.3% of Airtel Africa’s shareholding, from Indian Continent Investment Limited (ICIL). This acquisition was completed on June 22, 2026.
Equity Share Allotment
As part of the transaction, Bharti Airtel has issued 146,761,335 fully paid-up equity shares of face value INR 5 each to ICIL on a preferential basis. This issuance was approved by the ‘Special Committee of Directors for Preferential Issue’ of the Company on the date of the announcement. Consequently, ICIL now holds approximately 3.25% of the total post-issue equity share capital of Bharti Airtel.
Impact on Capital Structure
The paid-up equity share capital of Bharti Airtel has seen an increase, now standing at INR 31,201,606,575.00. This capital is divided into 6,240,043,648 fully paid-up equity shares of INR 5 each and 1,110,668 partly paid-up equity shares of INR 5 each, with a paid-up value of INR 1.25 each per share. This transaction effectively increases Bharti Airtel’s stake in Airtel Africa to approximately 79%.
Source: BSE
