Tata Motors is strategizing a significant restructuring move, aiming to separate its vehicle financing subsidiaries under Tata Motors Finance Ltd and merge them with Tata Capital. This initiative, as insiders revealed, seeks to streamline operations and alleviate the balance sheet leverage of the automotive giant.

The proposed process involves a share-swap agreement wherein Tata Sons, the conglomerate's holding company, will offer Tata Capital shares to Tata Motors, resulting in the latter acquiring a minority stake in Tata Capital.

Tata Capital, a flagship financial services entity of the Tata conglomerate, is primarily engaged in offering a diverse range of financial products, including commercial and consumer loans, wealth management, private equity, and credit card services.

The valuation of Tata Motors Finance is estimated to be between Rs 15,000-20,000 crore, representing a significant premium compared to the assessments by equity analysts. An official announcement of this restructuring is anticipated shortly, with Bank of America advising Tata Motors on this strategic move.

From Tata Capital's perspective, this realignment aligns with its objective of consolidating the group's financial services portfolio ahead of its anticipated IPO in 2024-25. As per Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regulations, Tata Capital Financial Services, along with Tata Sons, are classified as 'upper layer' non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) and are mandated to go public by September 2025.

For Tata Motors, this restructuring not only aids in reducing its balance sheet burden but also presents an opportunity to monetize its stake in Tata Capital during the IPO, potentially unlocking significant value.

Separating the finance arms is expected to reduce Tata Motors' gross debt, which stood at Rs 1.25 lakh crore in FY23, providing clarity on leverage ratios and alleviating the impact on consolidated financials during commercial vehicle downcycles.

Tata Motors Finance Holdings (TMFHL), a wholly-owned subsidiary, oversees Tata Motors Finance and Tata Motors Finance Business Services (TMFBSL), catering to different aspects of vehicle financing. While Tata Motors Finance primarily focuses on used-vehicle finance, TMFBSL handles new vehicle financing.

Despite challenges posed by the pandemic, Tata Motors Finance has been proactively managing its portfolio quality, as evidenced by improved profitability and reduced NPAs. Going forward, the company aims to enhance its return on assets through prudent portfolio management, digitalization, and diversification strategies.

This restructuring underscores Tata Group's commitment to strengthening its financial services arm, evident from significant investments in Tata Capital over the years and recent consolidation efforts aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and market positioning.