Religare Enterprises: Can a demerger fix what poor governance had broken?
Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. On 14 February, the boards of Religare Enterprises Ltd (REL) and Religare Finvest Ltd (RFL) approved a demerger of its insurance and financial services businesses into two separate listed entities. REL will retain control of Care Health Insurance, while lending, broking, investment, and ancillary activities would be transferred to RFL.
Even though the demerger promises the unlocking of shareholder value, investors were not impressed. REL has corrected by 9% since 14 February, bringing the stock close to its support at ₹220 apiece. Despite five years of multibagger returns which tripled investor wealth, the stock is still trading below its listing price.
Let’s dive into what has been weighing on sentiment, and if the demerger can flip the story. REL would effectively become Care Health Insurance, and RFL will be listed as a separate entity with the remaining financial services businesses clubbed under it. REL shareholders would receive one share of RFL for every REL share.
The demerger is subject to regulatory approvals which are expected by Q2FY27, followed by shareholder and creditors’ approval which are not likely before Q4FY27. So, it is only around Q1FY28 that one can reasonably expect the demerger to take effect. The hope is that the creation of two independent entities will help enhance strategic and governance focus, attract capital, and unlock shareholder value.
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