LIC Increases Stake in Hindustan Unilever to 6.74% Through Open Market Purchases
Life Insurance Corporation of India has disclosed a substantial stake increase in Hindustan Unilever, raising its shareholding from 4.73% to 6.74% through the acquisition of 4.72 crore shares via open market purchases between March 2022 and January 2026. This strategic investment demonstrates LIC's confidence in the FMCG major and positions the insurer as a significant institutional stakeholder.

*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Hindustan Unilever has received a substantial acquisition disclosure from Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), India's largest life insurer, under SEBI's Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeover Regulations, 2011. The disclosure, dated January 19, 2026, reveals LIC's increased investment in the FMCG major through systematic open market purchases.
Shareholding Details
LIC's strategic acquisition has resulted in a notable increase in its stake in Hindustan Unilever. The insurance corporation has crossed the significant 5% threshold, triggering mandatory regulatory disclosure requirements.
| Parameter: | Before Acquisition | After Acquisition | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Shares: | 11,11,66,083 | 15,83,56,774 | +4,71,90,691 |
| Shareholding %: | 4.73% | 6.74% | +2.01% |
| Total Share Capital: | ₹234.96 crores | ₹234.96 crores | No change |
Transaction Overview
The acquisition involved the purchase of 4,71,90,691 shares, representing 2.01% of Hindustan Unilever's total voting capital. LIC executed these transactions exclusively through open market purchases, demonstrating a systematic approach to building its position in the consumer goods company.
Key Transaction Details:
- Acquisition Period: March 23, 2022 to January 16, 2026
- Mode of Purchase: Open market transactions
- Stock Exchanges: NSE and BSE
- Promoter Status: LIC does not belong to the promoter group
Regulatory Compliance
LIC has fulfilled its regulatory obligations by submitting the required disclosure format under Regulation 29(2) of SEBI regulations. The disclosure was simultaneously sent to both major stock exchanges where Hindustan Unilever shares are listed - NSE and BSE.
The company's total equity share capital remained unchanged at ₹234.96 crores throughout the acquisition period, indicating that LIC's purchases were from existing shareholders in the secondary market rather than through any fresh equity issuance.
Investment Significance
This substantial acquisition reflects LIC's investment strategy and confidence in Hindustan Unilever's long-term prospects. The systematic nature of the purchases, spread over nearly four years, suggests a deliberate portfolio building exercise rather than opportunistic trading. LIC's increased stake positions it as a significant institutional investor in one of India's most established consumer goods companies.
Historical Stock Returns for Hindustan Unilever
| 1 Day | 5 Days | 1 Month | 6 Months | 1 Year | 5 Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| +2.27% | +1.74% | +5.82% | -2.53% | +4.65% | +5.20% |















































