India’s market regulator has approved the state-owned Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) initial public offering worth about $8 billion, TV channel ET Now reported on Wednesday.
The approval comes in the wake of reports that the initial share sale was set to be delayed to next financial year due to market volatility stoked by the Ukraine crisis.
Reuters reported earlier, citing sources, that bankers advising LIC had pushed the government to defer the launch of the stock offering.
IPO approvals are valid for a period of 12 months from the date of final observation by the Securities and Exchange Commission of India, the ET Now report said.
LIC did not immediately respond to a Reuters’ query seeking comments. The government has plans to sell 5% of LIC’s stake this month before the fiscal year ends on March 31.
The offering is seen critical to the government’s plan to raise funds for budgeted spending.
Global markets including India have become extremely volatile after Russian President Vladimir Putin authorised what he called a “special military operation” on Ukraine.
- Reuters with additional editing by Sean OMeara
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