Bandhan Bank denied acquisition-related talks with First Abu Dhabi Bank, according to NDTV Profit, distinguishing the listed lender from a reported promoter stake search as the bank prepares to review results Wednesday.
NDTV Profit reported Oct. 27 that the bank rejected speculation about an acquisition proposal or related discussions between the two banks. The outlet said the lender called an article’s reference to it “factually incorrect.”
The denial follows a separate report about a potential stake sale in Bandhan Financial Services Ltd. (BFSL), Bandhan Bank’s promoter. The Economic Times reported Oct. 13 that BFSL was seeking strategic investors for a 25% to 32% stake. It said International Holding Company was in early-stage discussions and listed First Abu Dhabi Bank among institutions canvassed for a stake. The reported investment would be in BFSL, rather than a direct acquisition of shares in the listed bank.
In an Oct. 13 exchange filing, Bandhan Bank said it was “not aware of any such development” and had received no communication about it. The bank also said it had not withheld material information and had no impending material announcement. That filing recorded the bank’s share price rising 9.02% that day, from ₹157.35 to ₹171.55, a move it described as apparently market-driven.
The Economic Times reported that Singapore’s GIC and the International Finance Corporation together held 30.3% of BFSL at the end of March 2026. It estimated the holding could be worth $500 million to $600 million and said a sale could give the investors an exit route.
Separately, The Economic Times reported that Bandhan Financial Holdings Ltd. held 37.5% of the bank at the end of June and must reduce that stake to 26% by 2030 under licensing terms with the Reserve Bank of India.
Bandhan Bank’s investor relations calendar lists a board meeting for Wednesday, Oct. 28, to consider results for the quarter and half-year ended Sept. 30.
