Godrej family announces division after 127 years: Asset allocation revealed.

New Delhi 01 May (VNI )The Godrej Family, a household name in India known for its diverse business empire spanning from soaps and home appliances to real estate, has recently announced a significant development after 127 years of existence. The family, which has been at the helm of the Godrej Group since its inception, has reached an agreement to split the conglomerate.

According to media input the split entails dividing the group between two branches of the founding family. Adi Godrej, aged 82, and his brother Nadir Godrej, aged 73, will retain control over Godrej Industries, which includes five listed firms - Godrej Industries, Godrej Consumer Products, Godrej Properties, Godrej Agrovet, and Astec Lifesciences. On the other side, their cousins Jamshyd Godrej, aged 75, and Smita Godrej Crishna, aged 74, will take over unlisted Godrej & Boyce and its affiliates, as well as a significant land bank, including prime property in Mumbai.

According to media reports ,the split has been described by the family as an "ownership realignment," aimed at maintaining harmony and better aligning ownership in acknowledgment of differing visions within the family. This strategic move is intended to maximize strategic direction, focus, and agility, ultimately accelerating the creation of long-term value for shareholders and all other stakeholders.

Under the new arrangement, Jamshyd Godrej will take the helm of Godrej & Boyce and its affiliates, overseeing a diverse range of industries from aerospace and aviation to defense, furniture, and IT software. His sister Smita's daughter, Nyrika Holkar, will join as the executive director, ensuring continuity and family involvement in the management.

Meanwhile, Godrej Industries Group, under the leadership of Nadir Godrej, will continue to thrive with the involvement of Adi, Nadir, and their immediate families. Pirojsha Godrej, the son of Adi Godrej, will play a crucial role as the executive vice chairperson of GIG, slated to succeed Nadir as the chairperson in August 2026.

The split also involves a significant realignment of assets, with reports suggesting that Adi and Nadir Godrej will divest their stakes in Godrej & Boyce to the other branch. Conversely, Jamshyd Godrej and his family will transfer interests in Godrej Consumer Products (GCPL) and Godrej Properties to their cousins through a family arrangement.

One of the most notable assets involved in the split is the vast land bank owned by Godrej & Boyce, including 3,400 acres of prime land in Mumbai. The Vikhroli land alone, estimated to have a development potential exceeding ₹1 lakh crore, holds immense value. However, about 1,750 acres of this land are covered with mangroves, serving as a habitat for rare plants and birds, while 300 acres have already been encroached upon.

This landmark decision marks a significant chapter in the Godrej family's legacy, which began in 1897 with Ardeshir Godrej's successful venture into locksmithing. Over the years, the family business grew under the leadership of Ardeshir's descendants, particularly the children of Burjor and Naval. The split represents a thoughtful and strategic approach to succession planning and business continuity, ensuring that the Godrej Group continues to thrive and innovate for generations to come.