Will Bajaj Finserv serve Buffett? Or 3i/Actis?

Berkshire Hathaway, the company steered by legendary US investor Warren Buffett, is learnt to be readying for its first India investment.

The likely recipient? Bajaj Finserv, the non-bank that was demerged from Bajaj Auto sometime back.

But the Sage of Omaha has co-runners from the private equity side too, say sources, such as 3i India, Actis and the Government of Singapore-owned Temasek Holdings.

“Some marquee investors are wanting to buy a stake in the company,” said a source close to the development.

Bajaj Finserv is a parent of Bajaj Allianz Life and General Insurance.

It also has Bajaj Auto Finance as an associate company.

A preferential allotment is being looked at in the company that is listed on both the National Stock Exchange and the Bombay Stock Exchange, the source said.

However, Bajaj Finserv has denied all the reports.

A spokerperson of Bajaj Finserv said, “We are neither in touch with Berkshire Hathaway nor are we aware of any plans to invest in our company.”

DNA's attempts to get in touch with the private equity investors failed as some of them were travelling. Attempts to reach Mahesh Chhabria of Actis also did not bear fruit.