In 1996 he founded the telecommunications company Tata Teleservices and in 2004 he took Tata Consultancy Services, the goose that laid the golden eggs of the group, onto the stock market. But it is probably the foreign acquisitions that more than anything else have marked his twenty-plus years at the helm of the Mumbai giant. Under Tata’s leadership, the group embarked on an expansion that at times appeared to avenge India’s colonial past. Among the most famous deals were the purchase of the British tea company Tetley in 2000 for $432 million and the Anglo-Dutch steelmaker Corus in 2007 for $13 billion, the largest acquisition of a company at the time foreign by an Indian company. Tata Motors then acquired the British luxury car brands Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford in 2008 for $2.3 billion.
The passion for four wheels
Cars have been one of Tata’s passions. His pet projects at Tata Motors were the Indica, the first car model designed and built in India, and the Nano, billed as the world’s most economical car. Tata contributed initial designs for both models. But while the Indica was a commercial success, the Nano, sold for just 100 thousand rupees (around 1,100 euros) was a resounding failure. It was supposed to convert Indian families from two to four wheels, but despite the advertising hype it failed to capture the ambitions of a rapidly transforming country and after 10 years production was suspended.
A privileged but difficult childhood
Born in Mumbai on December 28, 1937, Ratan Naval Tata was raised by his grandmother after his parents, Naval and Sooni Tata, divorced when he was 10 years old. His father had been adopted into the main Tata family at 13 by the daughter-in-law of Jamsetji Tata, founder of the Tata group. After graduating in architecture from Cornell, in the United States, Tata wanted to settle in California, but his grandmother’s ill health pushed him to return to India, where he had received a job offer from IBM.
The then chairman of Tata Sons, Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhoy Tata, known as JRD, persuaded him to work for the group instead. The two men were distantly related, belonging to different branches of the Tata family tree, one of Mumbai’s most prominent Parsi families. Groomed by JRD, the young Tata began his career at the conglomerate in 1962, undertaking several assignments in various units before moving into management in the 1970s. <a href="https://www.archyde.com/tata-trust-member-r-krishnakumar-passed-away-tata-group-veteran-r-krishnakumar-dies-at-84/" title="Tata Trust Member R. Krishnakumar passed away Tata Group Veteran R Krishnakumar Dies At 84″>Ratan Tata was the Group Chairman from 1991 to 2012.
Since retiring, Ratan Tata has become a prominent investor in Indian startups, backing numerous companies including digital payments firm Paytm, Ola Electric, and home and beauty services provider Urban Company.
Transforming the Tata Group: A Legacy of Strategic Acquisitions and Expansion
As a prominent business leader, Ratan Tata’s legacy in transforming the Tata Group into a global conglomerate is nothing short of remarkable. Under his leadership, the group has made several strategic acquisitions that have not only marked its expansion but also reshaped India’s business landscape.
Strategic Acquisitions: A Key to Growth
Ratan Tata’s aggressive expansion plans through foreign acquisitions have been a defining feature of his tenure at the helm of the Tata Group. Some of the most notable deals include the purchase of British tea company Tetley in 2000 for $432 million [[2]] and the acquisition of Anglo-Dutch steelmaker Corus in 2007 for $13 billion, which was the largest foreign acquisition by an Indian company at the time.
Additionally, Tata Motors’ acquisition of British luxury car brands Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford in 2008 for $2.3 billion has not only strengthened the group’s presence in the automotive sector but also showcased India’s ability to compete in the global market.
Current Acquisitions
A recent list of 12 acquisitions made by Tata across sectors such as Food & Beverage Products, Online Grocery, and others, including Dalda and Air India Express, highlights the group’s continued expansion and diversification efforts <a href="https://tracxn.com/d/acquisitions/acquisitions-by-tata/_EOFB7Mfaar5TPPAzByOYEUpRgcb1J-FmHH-Dn0dmBs”>[[1]].
Tata’s Vision and Legacy
Ratan Tata’s leadership and vision have not only propelled the Tata Group to new heights but have also left a lasting impact on India’s business community. His passion for cars and commitment to innovation have been instrumental in shaping the group’s growth trajectory.
Today, the Tata Group is a testament to Ratan Tata’s legacy, with a diverse portfolio of companies that continue to make a mark in various industries. As the group continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how the new leadership will build upon the foundation laid by Ratan Tata.
Conclusion
Ratan Tata’s legacy at the Tata Group is one of transformation, growth, and strategic acquisitions. His leadership has not only redefined the group’s expansion plans but has also repositioned India as a major player in the global business landscape.
