Managing in Troubled Times Case Study

Case Title:

The Reliance Group Split-up: What Went Wrong with the Indian Conglomerate?

Abstract:
The Reliance Group, controlled and managed by the Ambani family, is India's largest business house. Started in 1958, Reliance grew from a small trading company to a conglomerate with major interests in petroleum, petrochemicals, power, finance, and telecom industries, under the leadership of Dhirubhai Ambani and his sons Mukesh and Anil. After the death of Dhirubhai, who was believed to have died intestate, the elder son, Mukesh assumed control of the family-owned business. Within two years, a major ownership battle for the control of Reliance between the two brothers came to light. With both brothers hurling accusations at each other the image of Reliance suffered until their mother, Kokilaben Ambani, effected a settlement.

Pedagogical Objectives:

• To highlight the growth of Reliance group and the impact of split-up of Reliance Group on the financials and growth.

Keywords :  Reliance group split-up; Dhirubhai Mukesh Anil Ambani; Reliance Industries Limited (RIL); Indian Petrochemicals Limited (IPCL); Reliance Energy Limited (REL); Reliance Capital Limited (RCL); Reliance Infocomm (RIC); Petroleum Petrochemicals; Ownership and control issues; Corporate governance and transparency; Family-owned business enterprise; Indian conglomerate; Managing in Troubled Times Case Study; Vimal Hazira Jamnagar Naroda; Diversification strategies; Largest petroleum refinery