Bharti Acquires Stake in British Firms, Joins Tata, Mahindra, Welspun

17 Aug, 2024

Bharti Acquires Stake in British Firms, Joins Tata, Mahindra, Welspun

Bharti Enterprises recently joined the ranks of Indian conglomerates like Tata Group, Mahindra & Mahindra, TVS, and Welspun in acquiring stakes in British companies. The company’s estimated USD 4 billion deal to acquire a 24.5% stake in BT Group, the UK’s largest broadband and mobile company, is the latest in a series of high-profile acquisitions by Indian firms in the UK.

The trend was initiated by Tata Tea’s landmark acquisition of Tetley in 2000, which marked the beginning of a series of successful takeovers by Indian companies. Welspun followed with its acquisition of Christy, a leading terry towel brand in Britain. Tata Steel’s acquisition of Corus Group Plc in 2007 and Tata Motors’ purchase of Jaguar Land Rover in 2008 further solidified the presence of Indian companies in the UK market.

Mahindra & Mahindra’s acquisition of BSA Company in 2016 and TVS Motor Company’s purchase of Norton Motorcycles in 2020 highlighted the continuing trend of Indian companies expanding their global footprints through strategic acquisitions in the UK. Bharti’s recent move underscores the ongoing confidence and ambition of Indian firms to establish a significant presence in the global market.