Antfin Exits Paytm Investment with ₹2,103 Cr Stake Sale

Antfin has exited Paytm after selling its investment worth 4% stake in the company for ₹2,103 crore in bulk deals, Inc42 reported. This forms part of the broader attempts by Ant Group to lower its shareholding in the Indian fintech giant Paytm after a succession of gradual exits in the recent months.

Ant Group Offloads 4% Stake Via Block Deal

According to stock exchange data, Ant Group offloaded 4% stake in Paytm through its arm, Antfin Netherlands Holding BV. BSE data shows that the company sold more than 2.55 crore Paytm shares in two large block deals. In the first deal, it sold 1.27 crore shares at ₹826.04 each, and then another 1.27 crore shares at ₹823.30 a share.

The average price for the shares was ₹824.67 which is approximately 3.7% down from Paytm’s closing price on the previous day of ₹856.55. Goldman Sachs (Singapore) Pte bought the highest number of shares out of all the shares sold (37.25 lakh shares), spending roughly ₹307.42 crore at ₹823.10 per share.

The transaction brings down Ant Group’s holding in Paytm significantly, reinforcing the trend of Chinese firms unwinding their investments in Indian companies amid evolving geopolitical and regulatory concerns.

Impact on Paytm Shares and Shareholding Pattern

After the news, Paytm shares declined slightly in initial trading. The market responded with caution to the announcement of the block deal. Although analysts state that the lower foreign shareholding can enhance regulatory expectations and governance perception among local investors.

This Paytm shareholder update has also restructured the company’s equity pattern. As Paytm’s equity changes are in process now, Indian institutional investors are gradually raising their stake, hence localizing the company’s ownership pattern.

Analysts’ View on Paytm’s Future

Market experts think that Ant Group sold Paytm shares at the right time, particularly as the company continues to redefine its business model after the shutdown of its payments bank. The fintech company is now more intent on distribution of financial services and UPI-based products.

With Antfin exiting its Paytm investment making headlines once again, this sale may mark the end of Ant Group’s financial association with one of India’s most prominent fintech startups. As Paytm navigates new opportunities and regulatory changes, its evolving shareholding structure could play a critical role in shaping its future.