Emirates NBD Bank Receives CCI Approval to Acquire Majority Stake in RBL Bank

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has given the green light to Emirates NBD Bank's plan to acquire a majority stake in RBL Bank Ltd. This decision follows the announcement by Emirates NBD Bank in October 2025, where both banks' boards approved the acquisition through a primary infusion of approximately USD 3 billion, equivalent to Rs 26,850 crore.

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Dubai-based Emirates NBD is a prominent banking group with operations in several countries, including India. Meanwhile, RBL Bank Ltd offers banking, financial, and insurance services and operates an IFSC Banking Unit in GIFT City as an overseas branch. The CCI confirmed its approval of the proposed deal on X, stating that it has cleared the acquisition of certain shareholding in RBL Bank Limited by Emirates NBD Bank P.J.S.C.

Regulatory Approvals and Open Offer

The investment by Emirates NBD will be executed through a preferential issue of up to 60 per cent, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions. As part of this transaction, Emirates NBD will also make a mandatory open offer to purchase up to 26 per cent stake from RBL Bank's public shareholders, following Sebi's takeover regulations.

In a separate development, the CCI has also approved Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd's acquisition of an additional 30.58 per cent equity stake in Apollo Health and Lifestyle Ltd. Currently holding 68.84 per cent equity in Apollo Health and Lifestyle, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise's stake will rise to 99.42 per cent after the transaction concludes.

Apollo Hospitals' Expansion

Apollo Hospitals Enterprise is the parent company of the Apollo Hospitals group, which provides various healthcare services across India. Apollo Health and Lifestyle offers primary and secondary healthcare services, diagnostic services, and telemedical consultations nationwide. The CCI announced its approval for this acquisition on X.

RBL Bank recently reported a significant increase in net profit for the December quarter, reaching Rs 214 crore—a 555 per cent rise from Rs 33 crore in the same period last year. This surge was aided by a substantial reduction in provisions. The bank's core net interest income also grew by 5 per cent to Rs 1,657 crore due to a 14 per cent increase in advances and a slight improvement in net interest margin to 4.63 per cent.

Deals exceeding specific thresholds require CCI approval to ensure fair competition and prevent unfair business practices. The regulator plays a crucial role in maintaining market fairness by scrutinising such transactions.

With inputs from PTI