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Adani Group

Overview

The Adani Group is an Indian multinational conglomerate headquartered in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Founded by industrialist Gautam Adani, the group has diversified business interests spanning ports and logistics, energy, resources, transmission and distribution, renewable energy, mining, gas distribution, airports, real estate, defence, agribusiness, and media. It is among the largest business houses in India and has a significant presence in infrastructure sectors.

Key facts

Type Conglomerate
Founder Gautam Adani
Headquarters Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
Country of origin India
Industries Ports, energy, logistics, mining, renewables, airports, gas, defence, media
Chairman Gautam Adani

Background

The group traces its origins to a commodity trading business established by Gautam Adani in the 1980s. Over subsequent decades, it expanded into infrastructure, beginning with the development of port facilities at Mundra in the Kutch district of Gujarat, which grew into one of the largest commercial ports in India. The group later diversified into thermal power generation, coal mining and trading, and electricity transmission, before entering renewable energy, city gas distribution, and airport operations.

Principal businesses

Ports and logistics

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) operates a network of ports and terminals along the Indian coastline, with Mundra Port serving as its flagship facility. The company also handles container terminal operations, logistics parks, and rail freight services.

Energy and utilities

Adani Power is engaged in thermal power generation. Adani Green Energy develops and operates solar and wind power projects. Adani Energy Solutions (formerly Adani Transmission) operates power transmission lines and distribution in Mumbai. Adani Total Gas, a joint venture with TotalEnergies, distributes piped natural gas and operates CNG outlets.

Resources, infrastructure and other businesses

The group is involved in coal mining and trading, including operations in India, Indonesia, and Australia. Adani Enterprises serves as the flagship listed entity and incubates new businesses, including airports, data centres, defence and aerospace, road construction, and copper and petrochemical projects. Ambuja Cements and ACC were acquired in 2022, giving the group a major presence in the cement industry. NDTV was acquired the same year, marking the group's entry into broadcast media.

Timeline

  • 1988: Adani Exports established as a commodity trading firm by Gautam Adani.
  • 1990s: Development of Mundra Port begins in Gujarat.
  • 2007: Mundra Port and Special Economic Zone listed on Indian stock exchanges.
  • 2009: Adani Power commissions its first thermal power units.
  • 2010: Acquisition of the Carmichael coal project in Queensland, Australia.
  • 2015: Adani Transmission and Adani Enterprises restructured as separate listed entities.
  • 2019: Adani Group wins concessions to operate six airports under the Airports Authority of India privatisation programme.
  • 2020: Acquisition of a majority stake in Mumbai International Airport.
  • 2022: Acquisition of Ambuja Cements, ACC, and a controlling interest in NDTV.

Listed companies

  • Adani Enterprises
  • Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone
  • Adani Power
  • Adani Green Energy
  • Adani Energy Solutions
  • Adani Total Gas
  • Adani Wilmar
  • Ambuja Cements
  • ACC
  • NDTV

Significance

The Adani Group is one of India's largest private sector operators of port and energy infrastructure. Its expansion has paralleled the broader liberalisation and privatisation of Indian infrastructure sectors, including ports, electricity transmission, and airports. The group's investments in renewable energy form part of India's transition toward lower-carbon power generation.

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