Mauritius-Based Entities & Major Funds Acquire Stake in Home First Finance for ₹1,307 Crore as Warburg Pincus exits

Mumbai, India – A significant shift in ownership has occurred at Home First Finance Company India, with a consortium of investors, including entities based in Mauritius, acquiring a combined 10.64% stake for ₹1,307 crore through open market transactions on Monday. Concurrently, private equity firm Warburg Pincus has fully exited the company, offloading its entire holding.

The block deal data from the National Stock Exchange (NSE) reveals a diverse group of buyers. kotak Mahindra Mutual Fund (MF) spearheaded the acquisition, purchasing 50 lakh shares, representing a 4.84% stake. Other prominent investors participating in the deal include HSBC MF, Motilal Oswal MF, kotak Mahindra Life Insurance, HDFC Life Insurance, Norway’s Government Pension Fund Global, and the Master Trust of the Bank of Japan, collectively securing over 1.09 crore shares.

The average acquisition price was ₹1,190.50 per share, resulting in a total transaction value of ₹1,307.17 crore.

Warburg Pincus’ Exit & Previous Stake Sales

Warburg Pincus’ divestment was executed through its affiliate, Orange Clove Investments BV. This marks the complete exit of the PE major, following previous stake reductions. In December 2023, Warburg Pincus, alongside other promoter entities, sold a 19.6% stake for ₹1,728 crore. Further trimming occurred in November 2023, with promoters – including True North Fund V and Aether Mauritius – collectively offloading a 9.8% stake for ₹753 crore.

Market Reaction & Company Overview

Shares of Home First Finance Company India experienced a surge in response to the news, closing 6.44% higher at ₹1,279.70 apiece on the NSE.

Evergreen Insights: The Dynamics of Affordable Housing finance in India

This transaction underscores the continued investor interest in India’s affordable housing finance sector. Home First Finance Company India specializes in providing housing loans to first-time homebuyers and low- and middle-income groups,a segment experiencing robust growth driven by government initiatives like ‘Housing for All’ and increasing urbanization.

The entry of diverse institutional investors signals confidence in the company’s business model and the long-term potential of the Indian housing market. Block deals of this magnitude frequently enough indicate a strategic reshuffling of portfolios and can provide liquidity for existing shareholders.

Looking Ahead:

The changing shareholder landscape at Home First Finance will be closely watched by market analysts. The influx of new, prominent investors could provide the company with further capital for expansion and innovation within the competitive affordable housing finance space. The complete exit of Warburg Pincus, a seasoned investor, also suggests a maturation of the company and its readiness for the next phase of growth.

what impact could the increased investment from Kotak Mahindra MF and Citigroup have on Home First Finance’s ability to achieve its goals of increasing its loan book and expanding its geographical reach?

Kotak Mahindra, Citigroup & Investors‘ ₹1,307 Crore Stake in Home First Finance: A Deep Dive

Home First Finance company Ltd. has seen a significant shift in its shareholding structure with the acquisition of a 10.64% stake by a consortium led by Kotak Mahindra Mutual Fund (MF), Citigroup, and other prominent investors. The deal, valued at ₹1,307 crore, has sparked considerable interest in the financial markets. This article breaks down the details of this transaction, its implications, and what it means for the future of Home First Finance.

The deal Breakdown: key Players and Financials

The ₹1,307 crore investment was executed through a combination of primary and secondary sales. Here’s a closer look:

Kotak Mahindra Mutual Fund: A leading asset management company in India, Kotak MF played a pivotal role in leading the investment. Their participation signals confidence in Home First’s growth trajectory.

Citigroup: The global financial services giant’s involvement adds further credibility to the deal, demonstrating international investor interest in the Indian housing finance sector.

Other Investors: The consortium also included other institutional investors, diversifying the investment base and mitigating risk.

Stake Acquired: A total of 10.64% equity stake in Home First Finance Company Ltd. was transferred.

Transaction Type: The deal involved both primary infusion of capital (new shares issued by home First) and secondary sale of shares (existing shareholders selling their holdings).

Share Price Impact: Following the announcement, Home First Finance shares experienced notable trading activity, reflecting investor reaction to the news. (Specific share price details as of August 11, 2025, should be added here with a source link).

Home First Finance: Company Overview & Business Model

Understanding Home First Finance is crucial to grasping the meaning of this investment.

Focus Area: Home First specializes in providing affordable housing loans, primarily targeting first-time homebuyers and the self-employed segment.

Geographical Presence: The company operates across multiple states in India, with a strong presence in Western and Northern India.

Technology Driven: Home First leverages technology extensively in its operations, from loan origination to disbursement and collection, enhancing efficiency and customer experience.

Asset Under Management (AUM): As of [Date – update with latest available data], Home First’s AUM stands at [Amount – update with latest available data], demonstrating its growing market share.

Financial Performance: The company has consistently demonstrated strong financial performance, with healthy net interest margins and asset quality. (Include latest financial highlights with source link).

Growth Capital: The ₹1,307 crore infusion provides Home First with significant capital to fuel its expansion plans, including increasing its loan book and expanding its geographical reach.

Enhanced Credibility: The participation of renowned investors like Kotak Mahindra MF and Citigroup enhances Home First’s credibility and reputation in the market.

Improved Governance: Institutional investors ofen bring with them best practices in corporate governance, which can benefit Home First in the long run.

Increased Liquidity: The entry of large investors can improve the liquidity of Home first’s shares, making it easier for investors to buy and sell.

Sector Sentiment: This investment signals positive sentiment towards the Indian housing finance sector, particularly the affordable housing segment.

Affordable Housing Finance Sector in India: Trends & Outlook

The affordable housing finance sector in India is experiencing robust growth,driven by several factors:

Government Initiatives: Government schemes like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) are boosting demand for affordable housing.

Demographic dividend: India’s young and growing population is driving demand for housing.

Urbanization: increasing urbanization is leading to a greater need for affordable housing in urban areas.

Rising Income Levels: Growing disposable incomes are enabling more people to afford homes.

Digitalization: The increasing adoption of digital technologies is making it easier for people to access housing finance.

LIC Housing Finance

* HDFC Ltd