Adani Group
Company History
Adani Group History: Founding, Growth & Key Milestones
Founded 1988 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
When was Adani Group founded?
Adani Group was founded in 1988 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India by Gautam Adani, making it 38 years old.
- Founded
- 1988
- Founding place
- Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
- Founders
- Gautam Adani
- Headquarters today
- Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
- Milestones documented
- 16 (1988–2026)
- Current CEO
- Gautam Adani
- Acquisitions
- 5
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1988 | Adani Exports founded |
| 1994 | Adani Enterprises listed |
| 1998 | Mundra port operations begin |
| 2007 | APSEZ predecessor completes IPO |
| 2009 | Adani Power completes IPO |
| 2010 | Carmichael project acquired |
| 2018 | Renewables and gas businesses demerged |
| 2019 | Six airport concessions awarded |
| 2020 | Krishnapatnam Port acquired |
| 2021 | Mumbai airport control added |
| 2022 | Ambuja and ACC acquisition completed |
| 2023 | Haifa Port acquisition completed |
| 2023 | Hindenburg report prompts investigations |
| 2024 | Khavda reaches 2,250 MW operating capacity |
| 2025 | SEBI issues Adicorp matter orders |
| 2026 | SEC announces proposed civil settlements |
- Where was Adani Group founded?
- Adani Group was founded in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India in 1988.
- Who founded Adani Group?
- Adani Group was founded by Gautam Adani.
- When did Adani Group start?
- Adani Group was founded in 1988.
- How old is Adani Group?
- Adani Group is 38 years old as of 2026.
Founding Story
Adani Group traces its origin to Adani Exports, founded by Gautam Adani in Ahmedabad in 1988 as a trading business. The official group history says he had previously worked as a diamond sorter and later entered PVC imports. The group moved from trading toward asset ownership through the development of Mundra Port.
Founders
Gautam Adani
He founded Adani Exports in 1988. The business later became Adani Enterprises, the listed flagship and incubator of the broader Adani portfolio. Official Adani sources identify him as Founder and Chairman. Gautam Adani was born in 1962. Education: Sheth Chimanlal Nagindas Vidyalaya. Gautam Shantilal Adani was born on June 24, 1962. In 2022 Time magazine included him in its list of the 100 most influential people in the world.
Key Milestones
Adani Exports founded
Gautam Adani founded the trading business that later became Adani Enterprises Limited.
Source: adani.comAdani Enterprises listed
The business now known as Adani Enterprises listed on Indian stock exchanges.
Source: adani.comMundra port operations begin
The first ship berthed at Mundra, establishing the port platform later operated by APSEZ.
Source: adani.comAPSEZ predecessor completes IPO
Mundra Port and Special Economic Zone completed its initial public offering.
Source: adani.comAdani Power completes IPO
Adani Power completed its initial public offering as the power-generation business expanded.
Source: adani.comCarmichael project acquired
Adani Enterprises acquired the Carmichael coal project in Queensland, Australia.
Source: adani.comRenewables and gas businesses demerged
Adani Green Energy and the gas business were demerged from Adani Enterprises.
Source: adani.comSix airport concessions awarded
Adani Enterprises emerged as highest bidder for six Airports Authority of India concessions.
Source: adani.comKrishnapatnam Port acquired
APSEZ completed its initial 75% purchase of Krishnapatnam Port at a ~$1.39 billion (₹12,000 crore) enterprise value.
Source: adaniports.comMumbai airport control added
Adani Airport Holdings added control of Mumbai International Airport to its airport platform.
Source: adani.comAmbuja and ACC acquisition completed
The Adani family acquisition vehicle completed the $10.5 billion purchase of Holcim stakes and open-offer shares.
Source: adani.comHaifa Port acquisition completed
The APSEZ and Gadot consortium completed the privatization of Haifa Port Company.
Source: adaniports.comHindenburg report prompts investigations
Hindenburg Research allegations led to a market selloff and regulatory and court proceedings; Adani denied the allegations.
Source: scobserver.inKhavda reaches 2,250 MW operating capacity
Adani Green Energy reported 2,250 MW operating at Khavda in July against the larger planned development.
Source: connect.adani.comSEBI issues Adicorp matter orders
SEBI dismissed notices concerning alleged related-party transaction violations in the Adicorp matter.
Source: sebi.gov.inSEC announces proposed civil settlements
The SEC announced proposed settlements with Gautam and Sagar Adani calling for civil penalties of $6 million and $12 million, subject to court approval.
Source: sec.govMajor Acquisitions
Ambuja Cements and ACC stakes from Holcim
2022The Adani family, through Endeavour Trade and Investment, acquired Holcim stakes and completed open offers to enter cement. The stated transaction value was about $10.5 billion.
Krishnapatnam Port Company
2020APSEZ acquired an initial 75% controlling stake at a stated enterprise value of ~$1.39 billion (₹12,000 crore), expanding its east-coast port network.
Gangavaram Port controlling stake
2021APSEZ agreed to buy 58.1% from the DVS Raju family for ~$418 million (₹3,604 crore) after separately agreeing to buy Warburg Pincus holdings.
Haifa Port Company
2023An APSEZ and Gadot consortium acquired 100% of Haifa Port Company, with APSEZ holding 70% of the consortium vehicle.
Karaikal Port Private Limited
2023APSEZ completed the NCLT-approved acquisition for ~$172 million (₹1,485 crore), adding a port in Puducherry.
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When was Adani Group founded?
The conglomerate was founded in 1988 by Gautam Adani, initially operating as a commodity trading business before expanding heavily into ports and power.
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