Yes Bank says stake sale talks with Japan's SMBC at early stage

IANS May 6, 2025 594 views

Yes Bank has confirmed early-stage discussions with Japan's Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation about a potential stake sale. The preliminary talks have already triggered market speculation and share price movements, with SBI potentially looking to sell a portion of its existing stake. Public sector and private banks seem interested in this potential transaction, which follows Yes Bank's remarkable financial recovery. The bank's recent financial results, including a 63.3% year-on-year net profit jump, might be making it an attractive investment prospect.

"Such discussions are preliminary and do not warrant a disclosure" - Yes Bank Stock Exchange Filing
Yes Bank says stake sale talks with Japan's SMBC at early stage
Mumbai, May 6: Private sector lender Yes Bank on Tuesday said that discussions for a stake sale with Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp (SMBC) are currently at a "preliminary stage".

Key Points

1

Yes Bank exploring strategic stake sale opportunities with Japanese bank

2

SBI potentially selling 20% of its shareholding

3

Share price fluctuates on stake sale speculation

4

Bank shows strong Q4 financial performance

"Such discussions are preliminary and do not warrant a disclosure under Regulation 30 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, at this stage," Yes Bank said in a stock exchange filing.

The Mumbai-headquartered private sector bank also said that it routinely explores opportunities aimed at enhancing shareholder value.

The Yes Bank statement came in response to media reports that it talks to sell a significant stake to SMBC had reached an advanced stage, after months of negotiations.

The move is expected to trigger an open offer for an additional 26 per cent stake in Yes Bank in accordance with SEBI guidelines.

The share price of Yes Bank jumped by over 8 per cent in morning trade on Tuesday following reports that the stake sale was poised to come through. Much of the gains were, however, wiped out later in the day with the stock price settling 1.5 per cent higher.

Public sector major SBI, which holds a 23.97 per cent stake in Yes Bank, is reported to be interested in selling a 20 per cent share to SMBC.

SBI was part of the consortium of banks that had brought a stake to bail out Yes Bank in 2020, when it was on the verge of collapse. The move was initiated by the RBI which had taken control of Yes Bank following a liquidity crisis in the wake of a financial scam involving the promoter.

Other banks such as Axis Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and HDFC Bank are also expected to sell some of their shares to SMBC as part of the exit from Yes Bank which has now been revived.

Yes Bank reported a 63.3 per cent year-on-year jump in net profit at Rs 738.1 crore for the fourth quarter that ended March 31, 2025. In the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal, the bank had posted a net profit of Rs 451.9 crore.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Good to see Yes Bank recovering after the 2020 crisis! Foreign investment from SMBC could bring stability and better banking tech. But hope RBI keeps close watch - we've seen how foreign banks sometimes prioritize profits over customers. 🤞
P
Priya M.
As a Yes Bank customer since 2018, I'm cautiously optimistic. The bank has improved services post-RBI intervention, but staff still seem overworked. Hope Japanese management brings better work culture. Their 63% profit jump shows potential!
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Arjun S.
Why is SBI exiting after bailing them out? Taxpayers' money was used in 2020 rescue. Now when bank is profitable, stake being sold to foreign entity? Feels like we're subsidizing foreign investors. Deserves debate in Parliament.
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Neha T.
Japanese banks have strict governance norms - exactly what Yes Bank needs after past scams! But hope they retain Indian management's understanding of local markets. Cultural fit is crucial in banking sector.
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Vikram J.
The 8% stock jump shows market confidence. Smart move by SBI to exit at profit - they've done their nation-building duty. Now let professionals run it. More such strategic disinvestments needed in other PSUs too!
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Sangeeta R.
As shareholder, I'm happy with turnaround but concerned about open offer price. SEBI should ensure minority investors aren't shortchanged. Also, what happens to employee ESOPs after foreign takeover? Need clarity.

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