So finally the unthinkable has happened. Tata Motors has acquired Jaguar Land Rover and one of the strongest symbols of British supremacy is now owned by a former colony. Reverse imperialism? Jokes apart, this is really a very welcome development, not because of jingoistic reasons, but simply because it shows that India is finally a global player, able to match steps with the best of them. Of course, this is not the first time this has happened (think Corus, Stokes Forging, Tetley Tea), but somehow, maybe due to the aura of the brand involved (Jaguar/Land Rover), the impact seems to be stronger. This will also go a long way in emboldening others, who will now go forth and grab whatever there is on offer, the logic being 'if Tata can do it, why not us?’
 

These takeovers also drive home a point - if you think you are the best (or can be the best) in a given field, then you should look at players who are better than you, rather than gunning for the smaller fish in the pond. That way, your trajectory will always point north. Also, this way a company gets the latest technologies, which help in giving better value to customers and, of course, to shareholders. Some naysayers would point out that the brand is in its sunset years and not worth the price, but what one needs to remember is that the advantage is not in just absolute terms, but goes much beyond that. Sure, some of these takeovers have not been successful (both Ford and BMW have been owners of JLR in part or full), but this has never reflected badly on the company taking over.

 

I hope we see many more such takeovers, which will keep the flag of India Inc. flying high.

Do keep the feedback rolling in about what you think.

Note: Jaguar was initially named 'Swallow Sidecar Company' and they were in the business of refurbishing and overhauling motorcycles and sidecars of other makes. From there, they moved to developing their own automotive engine and coaches (car bodies)