Bajaj Capital open to selling up to 26% stake to raise funds

Financial services major Bajaj Capital is open to selling up to 26% stake to raise resources to fuel growth, a top official said.

"We are open to selling up to 26% of our stake to raise funds to fuel our growth plans in the financial products distribution business. Avendus Capital had been entrusted as our advisor," Bajaj Capital Group CEO and Director Anil Chopra told PTI.

"We are trying to invest aggressively in technology platforms for greater penetration and tapping tech-savvy investors, and for that we require resources," he said. Chopra indicated that the company would prefer technology backed companies for dilution of its stake, but added that the entire process is at a very early stage.

"The company is looking at a valuation of close to Rs 1,200 crore," Chopra said.

Asked whether the company will open more offices, Chopra said the number of client advisors will be doubled in three years from 700 now but there are no plans to increase the number of offices from 230 as it looks to reach out to smaller cities through associates.

According to reports, some global insurance companies and private equity investors have shown interest in Bajaj Capital.

The Insurance Amendment Act has brought insurance intermediaries under the same Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) ambit as insurance companies. The act allows Foreign Direct Investment of up to 49% in insurance companies and intermediaries.