7 popular fashion brands owned by Indian billionaire Kumar Mangalam Birla's company Aditya Birla Group

Category: General

Country: India

The company witnessed exponential growth under the 56-year-old industrialist's leadership

By Gaurav Sonavane
6th November 2023

Kumar Mangalam Birla is the chairman of Aditya Birla Group, a global conglomerate that has made significant strides in fashion and retail. One of the wealthiest and most influential industrialists in India, Kumar Mangalam Birla's vision has propelled the company to become a global powerhouse. According to Mint, his estimated net worth is $17.5 billion (approximately Rs 1,45,824 crore).

After completing his MBA from the London Business School, Birla took over the leadership of his family business at the age of 28 when his father Aditya Vikram Birla passed away in 1995. Since then, he has led the company dynamically and has brought exponential growth to various industries, particularly in the fashion and lifestyle sectors. The 56-year-old industrialist, who is also the chancellor of the Birla Institute of Technology & Science (Pilani), has invested his wealth in multiple domestic and international lifestyle brands to expand his company. Below are some of the top lifestyle brands owned by the Aditya Birla Group, a global company led by billionaire Kumar Mangalam Birla.

7 popular fashion brands owned by Indian billionaire Kumar Mangalam Birla's global conglomerate Aditya Birla Group

1. Forever 21
In 2016, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd (ABFRL) acquired the global clothing brand Forever 21 for approximately Rs 175.52 crore, according to a Mint report. Sharing details about the acquisition of Diana Retail and DLF Brands, the company in its official statement wrote, "The transaction involved the acquisition of the Forever 21 undertaking of Diana Retail with effect from 1 July through a business transfer agreement, not share transfer. The consideration for the acquisition is $26 million (approximately Rs 175.52 crore)."

2. House Of Masaba
Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd expanded its business into the personal care and beauty industry by acquiring the fashion label House of Masaba Lifestyle Private Limited, owned by designer and actress Masaba Gupta, in 2022. According to a Business Standard report, ABFRL acquired a 51% majority share in the fashion label for Rs 90 crore. In a joint statement, the companies wrote, "Brand Masaba will be scaled predominantly through the digital direct-to-consumer (D2C) channel, leveraging its strong connect with younger and digitally influenced consumers."

3. Sabyasachi
Did you know that Kumar Mangalam Birla-led Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd (ABFRL) holds a 51% stake in Sabyasachi? The global conglomerate invested Rs 398 crore in the famous domestic label founded by renowned fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee before acquiring a major stake in House Of Masaba, according to Mint. The brand has franchises not only in India but also in the US, the UK, and West Asia. Confirming the same, ABFRL's managing director, Ashish Dikshit said in a statement, "We believe that ethnic wear will become an increasingly important category over the next few years as young and confident Indians rediscover their culture and heritage. The Sabyasachi brand, through its emphasis on excellence in design and craftsmanship, has set new benchmarks and captured the imagination of the sophisticated global Indian consumer."

4. TCNS Clothing Limited (Elleven, Wishful, W, and Aurelia)
In September of this year (2023), Aditya Birla Fashion Retail Ltd (ABFRL) bought a 51% stake in TCNS Clothing in a deal worth Rs 1,650 crore, according to MoneyControl. TCNS Clothing owns several women's apparel brands, including Elleven, Wishful, W, and Aurelia. "The acquisition is in line with the company's objective of building a comprehensive fashion portfolio across consumer segments and price points," ABFRL wrote in its official statement.

5. Peter England & other menswear labels
According to the Aditya Birla Group's official website, the company managed by Kumar Mangalam Birla acquired Madura Fashion & Lifestyle (previously known as Madura Garments) from Coats Viyella Plc for Rs 236.23 crores in 1999. As part of the deal, the company also obtained the rights to some of the top menswear brands, such as Peter England, Van Heusen, Louis Philippe, and Allen Solly from Coats Viyella.

6. Tasva
In 2021, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd (ABFRL) collaborated with renowned fashion designer Tarun Tahiliani to establish Tasva, a brand that combines innovation and style in men's ethnic wear. According to an Economic Times report, ABFRL also acquired a 33.5% stake in the designer's pre-existing Luxury Couture business for Rs 67 crore and has the option to own a 51% stake in the future.

7. Shantanu and Nikhil
Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd (ABFRL) has invested a significant amount in both international and domestic brands. Their portfolio includes renowned brands such as Sabyasachi and House of Masaba. They also have a 51% stake in celebrated Indian fashion designers Shantanu and Nikhil's Finesse International Design, which they acquired for Rs 60 crore in 2019, according to Mint. The report also highlighted that ABFRL's investment in domestic brands has been substantial and continues to grow with time.

Courtesy: gqindia.com