Fairfax is leading the race to buy IDBI Bank

Business Dec 12, 2025

Fairfax Financial, a Toronto-based firm led by Prem Watsa, is topping the list to grab a 60.72% stake in India's IDBI Bank from the government and LIC—a deal valued at about $7 billion.
Kotak Mahindra Bank is also in the mix, but Emirates NBD is re-assessing its participation after its agreement to buy a controlling stake in RBL Bank.

What's happening and why does it matter?

Final bids are due by December (maybe January), with hopes to close the deal soon after.
This sale could potentially shake up India's banking scene, marking a significant step in privatization and possibly opening doors for more foreign investment.
For anyone watching how India's economy is evolving—or just curious about major money moves—this one's worth keeping an eye on.