Wadia Group: India's Oldest Business Group With a Rich History of 288 Years

There are many business houses in India, which are influential not only in the country but also abroad. Many of them have been doing business for a long time.

The Wadia Group is India's oldest business conglomerate, with a history spanning over 288 years. Founded in 1736 by Parsi businessman Lovji Nusserwanjee Wadia, the group has played a pivotal role in shaping India's industrial landscape.

Beginning as a shipbuilding company, the Wadia Group has since diversified into various sectors, including textiles, aviation, and food. Some of the well-known companies under the Wadia Group banner are Britannia Industries, Bombay Dyeing, and GoAir.

With a net worth of around Rs 60,000 crores ($7.2 billion), the Wadia Group continues to maintain a strong presence in India's business landscape. The group also owns the IPL team Kings XI Punjab.

Here's a closer look at the history and key milestones of the Wadia Group:

1702: Parsi businessman Lovji Nusserwanjee Wadia is born in Surat.

1736: Lovji Nusserwanjee Wadia establishes the Wadia Group, initially focused on shipbuilding.

1740: Lovji Nusserwanjee Wadia obtains a contract from the East India Company to build ships and docks, marking the official beginning of the Wadia Group's shipbuilding venture.

Over the next several decades, Lovji Nusserwanjee Wadia builds 355 ships, contributing significantly to the maritime industry.

Together with his brother Sorabji, Lovji Nusserwanjee Wadia constructs Mumbai's first dockyard, which also serves as Asia's first dry dock.

By 1840, within a century of its establishment, the Wadia Group gains international recognition for its shipbuilding prowess.

1863: The Bombay Burma Trading Corporation Limited is founded by the Wadia Group, becoming India's first public trading company.

1879: Bombay Dyeing is established, heralding the Wadia Group's entry into the textile industry.

1918: Britannia Industries is founded, marking the Wadia Group's foray into the food industry.

1944: Nusli Wadia, the current chairman of the Wadia Group, is born on 15 February.

1978: Nusli Wadia becomes the chairman of Bombay Dyeing.

1983: Nusli Wadia takes over as the chairman of Britannia Industries.

1988: Nusli Wadia assumes the chairmanship of the Wadia Group.

1993: Nusli Wadia becomes the chairman of The Bombay Burma Trading Corporation Limited.

2005: Nusli Wadia is appointed as the chairman of GoAir, an aviation venture of the Wadia Group.

2008: The Wadia Group acquires a majority stake in National Peroxide Limited, a leading manufacturer of hydrogen peroxide in India.

2010: Nusli Wadia steps down as the chairman of Bombay Dyeing, handing over the reins to his son Ness Wadia.

2013: Nusli Wadia's son Jahangir Wadia takes over as the managing director of Bombay Dyeing.

2015: The Wadia Group sells its stake in The Bombay Burma Trading Corporation Limited to the Apeejay Surrendra Group.

2017: Nusli Wadia is awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian honor, for his contributions to trade and industry.

2021: Nusli Wadia celebrates his 77th birthday on 15 February.

Throughout its rich history, the Wadia Group has not only preserved its heritage but has also embraced innovation and excellence, leaving an enduring mark on India's industrial and economic development.

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