Shares of Yes Bank will be in focus and are likely to see an uptick after a report by the Economic Times suggested that Japanese financial major Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. (SMBC) is in advanced talks to acquire a significant stake in the private lender. The development, if it materialises, could potentially trigger an open offer and change the bank’s shareholding structure substantially.
According to the ET report, SMBC is currently in discussions with the State Bank of India (SBI) to buy a stake. SBI is Yes Bank’s largest shareholder with a 23.97% stake as of March 2025. The proposed acquisition is expected to be over 5.1%, which, as per SEBI rules, could mandate an open offer to public shareholders.
The report also noted that Advent International and Carlyle, which currently hold 9.20% and 6.84% respectively, are expected to stay invested. Other prominent shareholders include HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Axis Bank, and LIC, together owning around 11.34%.
SMBC has been evaluating Yes Bank for some time now, particularly since the lender has been looking for a new anchor following its post-revival restructuring. If the deal is concluded, it would mark one of the largest banking M&A deals involving a foreign entity in India, and could reshape the private banking landscape.
As of FY25, Yes Bank reported total deposits of ₹2.85 lakh crore, a 27% increase YoY, and a net profit of ₹2,046 crore. Its net NPA stood at 0.6%, indicating an improvement in asset quality.
Disclaimer: This news is based on a report published in The Economic Times. Investors are advised to exercise caution and seek official confirmation before making any investment decisions.
