Mukesh Ambani led Reliance Industries is reportedly going to sell its entire 4.9% stake in Asian Paints after holding the investment for 17 years. According to a report by The Economic Times RIL is going divest from Asian Paints a leading paint company. The decision is taken by the company after Asian Paints is facing margin pressures and huge competition from new players in the industry. RIL has engaged Bank of America (BoFA) to manage the transaction which may happen through one or multiple block deals. Offers for the stake are being made at a 6–7% discount to Asian Paints current market price according to a media report. Investment banks and brokers who are trying to bring buyers for the stake according to the ET report. At the current closing price of Rs 2323 per share Reliance Industries’ 4.9% stake is valued at Rs 11141 crore ($1.31 billion). Reliance had originally invested Rs 500 crore in Asian Paints in January 2008. If considered dividends received in these many years the investment now has given around 24 times return. However Asian Paints’ performance lagged behind broader market indices in recent years. Over the last year its shares fell by 19% compared to an 11.5% rise in the BSE Sensex. Over two and three years the stock has declined by 27% and 24% respectively while the Sensex has risen by 31% and 54% during the same periods. The company is under pressure as new entrants like Birla Opus (Grasim Industries) are giving huge competition and reducing its market share. According to Elara Securities Asian Paints’ market share dropped from 59% in FY2025 to 52%.