Rama Prasad Goenka (better known as RP Goenka) established RPG Enterprises in 1979. But the foundation for this nearly $4-billion company was laid much before, by RP’s father Keshav Prasad Goenka, who established their presence in sectors like banking, tea, automobiles, tyres, cotton textiles and electric cables. In 1981, the RPG Enterprises pulled off a successful acquisition of Ceat Tyres. Ceat continues to be the group’s flagship business even today. The following years saw few more major acquisitions like KEC in 1982, Searle India (now RPG Life Sciences) in 1983, and Dunlop in 1984.
Its major takeover has been that off music label HMV (now known as Saregama India) in 1986. It took over CESC, Harrisons Malayalam, Spencer & Co and ICIM, all in 1989. Following RP’s demise, his sons Harsh and Sanjiv took over reins and steered the company’s growth. Today, RPG Enterprises have over 15 companies across key business sectors, with a turnover crossing an estimated `20,050 crore as on March 2015.
In 2010, the group was divided between RPG’s two sons resulting in two separate groups—RPG Group led by Harsh and RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group led by Sanjiv. The Goenkas have succeeded in the areas of automotive tyres, infrastructure, IT, pharmaceuticals, plantations and power ancillaries.