- Sunil Bharti Mittal explores raising his 24.5% stake in BT.
- A larger stake could trigger regulatory scrutiny under UK law.
What happened: Mittal weighs expanding BT investment
Indian billionaire Sunil Bharti Mittal, founder of Bharti Airtel, is reportedly considering increasing his stake in BT Group. Currently holding a 24.5% share, Mittal acquired the stake from Altice UK last November, becoming the company’s largest shareholder. Reports indicate that he has expressed interest in deepening his involvement with the British telecoms firm.
BT’s shares rose 1.35% following the news, signalling investor optimism about Mittal’s potential increased stake. Since acquiring his holding, Mittal has engaged in discussions with BT’s senior executives, indicating a hands-on approach to strategy. However, any move to surpass a 25% stake would trigger a national security review, while reaching 30% would legally require Mittal to make a full takeover bid.
BT has undergone significant restructuring under CEO Allison Kirkby, focusing on the UK market by divesting non-core assets. The company has sold its Irish data centre business and enterprise arm while retaining its consumer brand. With BT’s financial performance improving, Mittal’s potential increased investment aligns with the company’s ongoing transformation.
Also read: BT sells Irish business to Speed Fibre Group
Also read: BT urges businesses to switch from analogue landlines by 2025
Why it’s important
Mittal’s potential move to increase his BT stake could have significant implications for the company and UK telecoms. His existing 24.5% holding already makes him a key shareholder, and further investment could strengthen his influence over BT’s strategic direction.
BT’s recent restructuring efforts, aimed at streamlining operations and improving profitability, have attracted positive attention from investors. The company’s sale of non-UK assets aligns with its renewed focus on the domestic market. Mittal’s continued engagement with BT leadership suggests a long-term commitment, which could provide further stability as the company navigates industry challenges.
Regulatory scrutiny will play a crucial role in determining the feasibility of Mittal’s plans. UK law mandates a national security review if his stake surpasses 25%, while crossing the 30% threshold would trigger a mandatory takeover bid. These considerations may influence the billionaire’s approach in expanding his investment.
