Walmart is buying 77% stake of Flipkart, worth $16bn, eventually wanting the Indian online retail giant to become a publicly-listed subsidiary.
The remainder of the business will be held by existing investors, including Flipkart’s co-founder Binny Bansal, Tencent, Tiger Global and Microsoft.
Walmart said in a statement that its long-term aim would be to support Flipkart’s transition into a publicly-listed subsidiary.
The retailer said it expects India’s ecommerce market to grow at four times the rate of the overall retail industry.
Walmart’s president and chief executive, Doug McMillon, said the investment in Flipkart was part of the company’s aim to invest in India’s fast-growing economy.
“India is one of the most attractive retail markets in the world, given its size and growth rate, and our investment is an opportunity to partner with the company that is leading transformation of e-commerce in the market,” McMillon said in a statement.
Walmart’s investment in Flipkart includes $2bn of fresh equity funding. Walmart said it will use a combination of newly issued debt and cash to finance the round. The two companies are in talks with other potential investors to join the investment, which could reduce Walmart’s stake.
Both companies will keep their distinct brands and operating structures, Walmart said. A final close to the deal is expected to take place later this year.