Govt to Sell Up to 5% Stake in GIC via OFS at Rs 352 Per Share

The Indian government is set to proceed with its disinvestment agenda by offering a stake in the General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC) through an Offer for Sale (OFS). This strategic move aims to bolster the exchequer's coffers as the Centre pushes toward its ambitious disinvestment targets for the current fiscal year.

Details of the GIC Offer for Sale

The Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) has announced that the OFS will open for institutional investors on Tuesday, June 16. Retail investors will have the opportunity to participate in the bidding process starting Wednesday.

According to DIPAM Secretary Arunish Chawla, the government intends to divest an initial 2% equity stake in GIC. However, a "green shoe" option is also available, which would allow the government to sell an additional 3% stake, bringing the total potential divestment to 5%. At the established floor price of Rs 352 per share, the sale of more than 8.77 crore shares is expected to generate approximately Rs 3,000 crore for the government.

Pricing Strategy and Market Context

The floor price of Rs 352 per share has been set at a significant discount to attract investors. On Monday, GIC shares closed at Rs 388.35 on the BSE, meaning the OFS floor price represents a discount of 9.36% compared to the previous market closing. This pricing strategy is likely intended to ensure a successful subscription during the two-day window.

The move comes at a time when the insurance sector is under close observation by market analysts, as the government continues to streamline its holdings in various Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).

Broadening the Disinvestment Push

The GIC stake sale is part of a larger, highly active disinvestment cycle. The Centre has already successfully mobilised Rs 13,389 crore through various PSU stake sales during the current financial year. This successful capital collection has been driven by several key divestments, including:

Chính phủ đang quyết liệt thực hiện các chiến lược thương mại hóa tài sản và thoái vốn này nhằm vượt mục tiêu ngân sách 80.000 crore Rs cho năm tài chính hiện tại. GIC OFS đóng vai trò là một thành phần then chốt trong việc đạt được cột mốc tài khóa khổng lồ này.

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