Nusli Wadia and his sons plan to foray into the Retail business in India with an investment of $2 – $2.5 Billion over next several years. Nusli Wadia in his lifetime doesn’t have any credits to his cap apart from running Bombay Dyeing and Company. He is also locked in battle over control of Britannia industries Ltd which he didn’t build anyway. Wadia sons appear quite dynamic but lack concrete plan of action and experience.
The group will start revamping its 400 odd Bombay Dyeing stores as a first step in retail. The Wadia group plans to acquire licenses or partner with over two dozen domestic and international brands in various categories—from consumer durables to apparel to retail—under its different retail formats, market—discount, mid-segment or premium.
Wadias have some 4.3 Million sft of real estate in Mumbai which is not sufficient for big retail plans as you need commercial real estate across India. Insiders speculate that Carrefour may also be interested in partenering with Wadias.
Jeh Wadia just last year has forayed into Airlines business founding Go Air but is already struggling to run the business.