CCI Greenlights Strategic Investment in Bharti AXA Life by 360 ONE and Bharti Life Ventures

The proposed deal follows a two-tiered structure. Initially, 360 Fund, through its various schemes or affiliated entities, will acquire certain equity shares of BALIC from BLVPL.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has granted its approval for a strategic investment transaction involving Bharti AXA Life Insurance Company Limited (BALIC), enabling a new phase of capital infusion and equity restructuring. The transaction encompasses two key steps: (i) the acquisition of certain equity shares of BALIC by 360 ONE Private Equity Fund (360 Fund), and (ii) the subscription of additional equity shares in BALIC by both 360 Fund and Bharti Life Ventures Private Limited (BLVPL).

Details of the Transaction

The proposed deal follows a two-tiered structure. Initially, 360 Fund, through its various schemes or affiliated entities, will acquire certain equity shares of BALIC from BLVPL. Following this acquisition, both 360 Fund and BLVPL plan to subscribe to newly issued equity shares of BALIC, enhancing the company's capital base and potentially expanding its growth capacity.

This development signifies a deepening of strategic cooperation between an established financial investor and one of India’s leading corporate conglomerates in the life insurance sector.

About 360 ONE and the Investment Structure

360 Fund is categorized as a Category II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) under regulations by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). It is structured to facilitate investments across a diverse array of sectors both in India and internationally.

Investment management responsibilities for 360 Fund are handled by 360 ONE Alternates Asset Management Limited (360 AAML), a wholly owned subsidiary of 360 ONE WAM Limited. 360 ONE WAM serves as the ultimate parent entity and controlling stakeholder of the investment management operations. Collectively, 360 Fund and 360 AAML operate under the branding umbrella of 360 ONE.

This investment into BALIC aligns with 360 ONE’s broader strategic outlook of leveraging long-term value creation opportunities in the Indian financial services landscape, particularly within the underpenetrated and rapidly evolving life insurance market.

About Bharti Life Ventures and Bharti AXA Life

Bharti Life Ventures Private Limited (BLVPL) serves as the holding entity for BALIC. Both companies form part of the expansive Bharti Group, a diversified business conglomerate with interests spanning telecom, financial services, real estate, and agri-products, among others.

Bharti AXA Life Insurance Company Limited is an Indian-incorporated, unlisted public company with a core focus on providing life insurance products and services. It offers a range of solutions including term plans, endowment policies, savings schemes, and retirement plans, catering to the growing demand for financial protection and long-term savings across diverse customer segments.

Strategic Implications and Market Outlook

The approval by the CCI reflects a positive regulatory stance toward fostering private capital participation in the Indian insurance industry, which has been witnessing a transformative shift due to digitalization, regulatory liberalization, and increasing awareness of financial security among the population.

This move is expected to bolster BALIC’s capital strength, support its expansion plans, and potentially enhance innovation in product offerings and digital outreach. Moreover, the participation of 360 ONE highlights the attractiveness of the insurance sector to institutional investors looking for stable long-term returns in a growing economy.

As the transaction progresses, market watchers will be keenly observing how this collaboration will influence the competitive dynamics of the Indian life insurance sector and support BALIC in scaling new heights of operational and financial performance.