Are Yes Bank's Stake Sale Talks with Japan's SMBC Just Beginning?

Synopsis
Yes Bank has confirmed that discussions for a stake sale with Japan's SMBC are at a preliminary stage, raising questions about potential impacts on the market and investors. With significant shares in play, the banking sector is closely watching these developments.
Key Takeaways
- Yes Bank's stake sale discussions with SMBC are in preliminary stages.
- The potential sale may lead to an open offer for more shares.
- SBI is considering selling a portion of its stake in Yes Bank.
- Yes Bank reported significant profit growth in recent quarters.
- Market reactions indicate investor interest in the developments.
Mumbai, May 6 (NationPress) The private sector lender Yes Bank announced on Tuesday that negotiations regarding a stake sale with Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp (SMBC) are at a "preliminary stage".
Yes Bank stated, "These discussions are at an early phase and do not necessitate a disclosure under Regulation 30 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, at this time."
Additionally, the Mumbai-based bank mentioned that it regularly seeks opportunities to boost shareholder value.
This statement came in light of media reports suggesting that discussions for a significant stake sale to SMBC were nearing completion after extended negotiations.
Such a move could lead to an open offer for an additional 26 percent stake in Yes Bank, in line with SEBI regulations.
Following reports of the potential stake sale, Yes Bank's shares surged by over 8 percent during morning trading on Tuesday, although the gains were later moderated, with the stock price closing 1.5 percent higher.
The state-owned SBI, which owns a 23.97 percent stake in Yes Bank, is reportedly considering selling a 20 percent share to SMBC.
SBI was part of the bank consortium that rescued Yes Bank in 2020 when it faced imminent collapse, a situation triggered by the RBI stepping in after a liquidity crisis due to a financial scandal involving its promoter.
Other banks, including Axis Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and HDFC Bank, are also expected to divest some shares to SMBC as part of their exit from Yes Bank, which has now been revitalized.
In the fourth quarter ending March 31, 2025, Yes Bank reported a remarkable 63.3 percent year-on-year increase in net profit, reaching Rs 738.1 crore, compared to Rs 451.9 crore in the same quarter of the previous fiscal year.