
Blackstone strengthens India strategy with foray into housing property market
Blackstone Group is foraying into India’s rapidly growing housing property market, marking a strategic shift after leading the country’s commercial property space, with clear focus on the mid-income and premium segment of the market to begin with, said persons familiar with the plan.
While the global alternative asset management firm has already established itself as India’s largest office and logistics landlord, and expanded aggressively into data centers, the proposed acquisition of listed company Kolte Patil Developers, marks its first big bet on housing market.
«The plan goes beyond investment to building execution and development capabilities, with no capital constraints for growth. Previously, assets were acquired and consolidated, as seen with Nucleus Office Parks, Horizon Industrial Parks, and Nexus Select. In contrast, the strategy for housing focuses on establishing the platform first and then adding assets,» said one of the persons mentioned above.
Blackstone is set to acquire the Pune-based company with a preferential allotment of shares equivalent to 14.3% equity in the first stage, and 25.7% post-issue stake from promoters after that. An open offer for an additional 26% from the public will also be launched, bringing Blackstone’s total commitment to roughly Rs 1,800 crore for a 66% stake in the development company.
The global investment major will initially deepen its presence in cities where Kolte-Patil already operates including Pune, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. The firm is expected to focus on