India’s Bharti Enterprises announced a significant investment in the UK telecommunications giant BT, acquiring a 24.5% stake worth £3.2 billion. This move signifies the continued interest of Indian companies in British businesses and further strengthens the economic ties between the two nations. This investment also serves as a prime example of the increasing global presence of Indian corporations.
Beyond Bharti Enterprises, several other Indian companies have established a strong foothold in the UK across various sectors. Let’s delve into some notable examples:
Conglomerates with a UK Presence:
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Tata Group:
This Indian behemoth owns the renowned British luxury carmaker Jaguar Land Rover, demonstrating its commitment to the UK automotive sector. Tata Steel, a subsidiary of the Tata Group, also operates several plants in Britain, including the significant Port Talbot facility. In 2023, Tata announced a substantial investment of over £4 billion in a UK electric car battery factory, underlining its dedication to sustainable mobility solutions.*
Reliance Industries:
This Indian conglomerate expanded its global reach by acquiring Faradion Ltd, a British battery technology company, in 2021 for $135 million. Furthermore, Reliance Brands Ltd secured a 100% stake in the iconic British toy store chain Hamleys in 2019, showcasing its foray into the retail sector.Technology and Consulting Firms:
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Wipro:
This Indian IT giant made a significant acquisition in 2022 by purchasing Capco, a UK-based management consultancy firm, for $1.45 billion. This strategic move highlights Wipro’s ambition to expand its global presence and capitalize on the UK’s expertise in consulting services.Automotive Industry:
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Eicher Motor:
In 1994, Eicher Motor Group acquired the iconic British motorcycle manufacturing company Royal Enfield, revitalizing the brand and establishing its headquarters in Chennai, India. Royal Enfield, founded in 1901, holds the distinction of being the oldest global motorcycle brand in continuous production.*
Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd:
In 2021, Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd revived the defunct motorcycle brand BSA (Birmingham Small Arms Company Ltd) after nearly 50 years of production halt. This move signifies the Indian company’s interest in reviving British manufacturing heritage and capturing a share of the global motorcycle market.*
TVS Motor Co:
This Indian automobile group acquired the renowned British brand Norton in 2020. TVS Motor Co also invested in EBCO Ltd, a British company specializing in electric bikes, by acquiring a 70% stake in 2023, showcasing its commitment to sustainable mobility solutions.Financial Services and Fintech:
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Wdhawan Global Capital:
This Indian investment group played a key role in the 2017 fundraising of Zopa, a British digital bank, by investing £32 million. This signifies the growing interest of Indian investors in the UK’s fintech sector.Other Sectors:
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Hospitality:
St James Court Hotel Ltd, owned by the Indian Hotels Co Ltd, operates under the prestigious Taj chain of hotels. This exemplifies the presence of Indian companies in the UK hospitality sector.*
Energy:
EET Fuels, formerly known as Essar (Oil) UK Ltd, is owned by the Indian conglomerate Essar Group and focuses on decarbonization efforts in the UK. This demonstrates Indian investment in the UK’s transition to cleaner energy sources.*
Pharmaceuticals:
Leading Indian pharmaceutical companies like Dr Reddy’s, Cipla, and Glenmark have established UK units, contributing to the supply of generic medicines and healthcare services in the UK.*
Mining:
Vedanta Resources, a diversified mining company owned by Indian businessman Anil Agarwal, is headquartered in London and was previously listed on the London Stock Exchange. This exemplifies the participation of Indian companies in the UK’s natural resources sector.Overall, Indian companies have demonstrated a strong commitment to the UK economy, investing across various sectors and creating opportunities for collaboration and growth. The growing presence of Indian-owned companies in the UK highlights the increasing economic interdependence between the two nations and paves the way for future collaborations and shared prosperity.
