India's Biggest IPO Ever? Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Jio Set to Make Stock Market History in 2025!
Reliance Jio Eyes Record-Breaking IPO, While Reliance Retail Awaits Operational Overhaul
Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries is set to make waves in the Indian stock market with a major IPO for its telecom division, Reliance Jio, in 2025. Industry insiders report that Reliance views Jio as ready for public listing due to its consistent revenue growth and strong subscriber base, positioning it as India’s leading telecom operator. This launch could make Jio’s IPO the largest in Indian history, surpassing Hyundai India’s $3.3 billion IPO record set this year.
Jio Valued at Over $100 Billion
Jio's IPO is expected to be valued well over $100 billion, with investment bank Jefferies recently estimating it at $112 billion. If the IPO meets this valuation, Reliance would need to offer a minimum 5% stake to comply with regulatory guidelines for companies with such high valuations, resulting in a public sale of approximately Rs 47,100 crore. This offering could set a new benchmark in India’s IPO landscape, given the anticipated scale and value.
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Reliance Retail’s IPO Postponed Beyond 2025
The IPO for Reliance Retail, initially planned around the same time as Jio’s, has now been delayed until after 2025. Sources indicate that Reliance aims to focus on resolving internal operational challenges in its retail division before pursuing a public listing. As India’s largest grocery retailer, with over 3,000 stores, Reliance Retail has grown quickly, expanding into various formats, including e-commerce. However, this rapid growth has led to uneven store performance and operational inefficiencies.
Operational Hurdles in Reliance Retail
Reliance Retail’s fast-paced expansion has brought challenges, including competition from quick-commerce startups that deliver within minutes. Some brick-and-mortar stores have struggled with profitability, affecting the company’s overall earnings per square foot. In fact, the retail arm reported a slight decline in sales in Q3 2023—the first in years—highlighting the need for stability before launching an IPO.
A New Era for Indian IPOs
If successful, Reliance’s upcoming IPOs for Jio and its retail division could redefine India’s stock market dynamics. As the Indian IPO market reaches record highs, Reliance’s moves could attract a surge of investor interest, underscoring Ambani’s influence in shaping India’s economic landscape.