Bharti Enterprises linked to possible BT stake increase to near 30%

TL;DR: Reuters reported Bharti Enterprises is seeking UK government backing to potentially increase its BT Group stake from just below 25% to nearer 30%. Bharti Enterprises told Reuters it has no plans to increase its current investment in BT. A stake above 25% would trigger a UK regulatory review, while 30% would require a full takeover offer.

Reuters reported Bharti Enterprises is seeking backing from UK authorities to potentially raise its shareholding in BT Group from just below 25% to nearer 30%.

According to the report, Bharti Enterprises aims to remain below the 30% threshold that would require a full takeover offer for BT under UK rules. A move above 25% would trigger a regulatory review in the UK.

Bharti Enterprises told Reuters it has no plans to increase its current level of investment in BT. Bharti bought a 24.5% stake in BT from Altice in 2024 through a UK subsidiary of Bharti Global, and that holding has since moved closer to 25%.

Two Bharti executives joined BT's board in 2025 after the investment. Bharti has said since acquiring the bulk of its stake that it does not intend to make a full offer for BT.

Related questions

• What BT stake does Bharti Enterprises currently hold?
• What happens if Bharti increases its BT stake above 25% or 30%?
• When did Bharti buy its 24.5% stake in BT from Altice?