Tata Group

Tata Power Poised for Full Control: Talks Underway to Buy Out Investors in Resurgent Power Ventures

The Indian energy landscape is abuzz with news that the Tata Group, a powerhouse conglomerate, is actively engaged in discussions to acquire the remaining stakes in Singapore-based Resurgent Power Ventures Pte. This strategic move, if materialized, would see Tata Power Co., which currently holds a 26% share through a subsidiary, take complete ownership of Resurgent Power, further solidifying its presence in India’s critical power generation and transmission sectors.

The confidential talks involve buying out the shares held by prominent institutional investors: ICICI Venture Funds Management Co., Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA), and Oman Investment Authority (OIA). These three entities collectively hold a substantial 74% stake in Resurgent Power Ventures. Sources close to the negotiations indicate that the selling shareholders are seeking a valuation of approximately $2.1 billion for the entire company, including its existing debt. While discussions are ongoing, the potential acquisition underscores Tata Power’s ambitious growth strategy and its intent to consolidate key assets within its portfolio.

Prayagraj Power Generation Co.: Resurgent Power holds a substantial 75% stake in this company, which operates a 1,980 MW supercritical power plant in Uttar Pradesh. This asset is a critical component of northern India’s power generation infrastructure.
Northern India Power Transmission Operators: Beyond generation, Resurgent Power is also involved in power transmission. Its portfolio includes other operators of power transmission assets across northern India, crucial for ensuring the smooth and efficient delivery of electricity across the region. This includes a 100% stake in NRSS XXXVI Transmission Limited, which is commissioning a critical inter-state transmission project for system strengthening in the Northern Region.
South East UP Power Transmission Company Limited (SEUPPTCL): Resurgent Power successfully acquired SEUPPTCL through an insolvency process. This asset includes approximately 1,500 km of transmission line (765 kV and 400 kV) and 5 substations (765 kV and 400 kV), further bolstering Resurgent’s transmission capabilities.

These assets represent a vital part of India’s energy grid, and full ownership by Tata Power would grant the conglomerate greater control and operational synergies across both generation and transmission segments.

Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA): One of the world’s oldest and largest sovereign wealth funds, KIA made its investment in Resurgent Power in 2019.
Oman Investment Authority (OIA): This sovereign wealth fund of Oman also invested in Resurgent Power in 2019. OIA was formed in 2020 through the merger of the Oman State General Reserve Fund (SGRF) and the Oman Investment Fund, with SGRF being the original investor in Resurgent.

These investors, having participated in the platform’s growth and successful acquisition of stressed assets, now appear to be seeking an exit, likely to rebalance their portfolios or capitalize on their initial investments.

Strategic Implications for Tata Group

For the Tata Group, and specifically Tata Power, this potential acquisition holds significant strategic value:

Consolidation and Control: Full ownership of Resurgent Power would allow Tata Power to fully integrate its operations and strategic planning, leading to greater efficiency and optimized resource allocation. It would eliminate the complexities of a joint venture structure and allow for a more streamlined approach to future growth and asset management.
Enhanced Power Portfolio: The acquisition would significantly expand Tata Power’s generation and transmission capacities, reinforcing its position as a leading integrated power company in India. This aligns with Tata Power’s stated aspiration to expand its transmission business and maximize shareholder value through growth and sound investments.
Leveraging Expertise in Stressed Assets: Resurgent Power was specifically set up to acquire and turn around stressed assets in the Indian power sector. By fully integrating Resurgent, Tata Power would gain deeper expertise and a proven track record in identifying, acquiring, and rehabilitating distressed power projects, a valuable capability in India’s evolving energy market.
Future Growth Opportunities: With a stronger foothold in both generation and transmission, Tata Power would be better positioned to pursue new growth opportunities, whether in conventional power, renewable energy, or emerging areas like smart grids and energy storage. The acquired assets provide a solid base for further expansion and diversification.