- Business
- Manappuram Finance Limited operates as a leading non-banking financial company (NBFC) in India, primarily providing gold loans and diversified retail financial services including online gold loans, vehicle loans, two-wheeler finance, business loans, housing loans, home improvement loans, balance transfer and top-up loans, loans to salaried employees, property loans, corporate loans, forex and money transfer services, microfinance, and MSME lending. The company serves over 5 million active customers through more than 5,000 branches across 28 states and 8 union territories, with a focus on rural and semi-urban markets underserved by traditional banks.
Founded in 1949 as a modest pawn-broking business in Valapad, Thrissur, Kerala, by V.C. Padmanabhan and incorporated as Manappuram Finance Ltd. in 1992 under V.P. Nandakumar, the company maintains its headquarters in Valapad, Thrissur District, Kerala. Subsidiaries such as Asirvad Microfinance, acquired in 2015, contribute significantly to its non-gold portfolio, which accounts for 42.7% of total assets under management as of March 31, 2025.
In a major strategic development, Bain Capital acquires joint control through affiliates BC Asia Investments XXV Ltd. and BC Asia Investments XIV Ltd. by investing Rs 4,385 crore for an 18% stake as of March 2025, providing growth capital, strengthening the balance sheet, and supporting expansion in core segments like gold loans alongside professional management enhancements; V.P. Nandakumar transitions to non-executive chairman role while promoters retain 28.9% stake post-transaction. This partnership, approved by the Competition Commission of India, accelerates diversification into high-potential areas such as vehicle finance and microfinance amid rising gold loan demand. Consolidated assets under management stand at Rs 457 billion, reflecting 3.4% year-over-year growth.