Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries Ltd has invested a staggering $13 billion in the last five years in acquisitions across new energy, telecom, retail, media, and healthcare. This is the strategy that underpins the shift of Reliance from its historical oil and petrochemicals business to clean energy and consumer-facing verticals.
Last week, RIL bought a 100% stake in Karkinos Healthcare for ₹375 crore, strengthening its expanding diagnostic and digital healthcare ecosystem, as per a Morgan Stanley report. The oncology platform is focused on technology-driven solutions for the early detection, diagnosis, and management of cancer.
Reliance’s acquisitions breakdown
New Energy: $1.7 billion
TMT: $6 billion
Retail: $1.14 billion
Telecom and Internet: $2.6 billion
Acquisitions of significant note would be the acquisition of Hathway Cable and Datacom Ltd for a massive $981 million to strengthen its cable TV and internet services. It acquired REC Solar Holdings at $771 million and JustDial at $767 million with many diversified acquisitions.
Focus on healthcare
Karkinos is one of the new entrants into the series of healthcare investment by Reliance, after previous bets such as HAGI, Netmeds, and Strand Life Sciences. Karkinos was established in 2020. It delivers oncology services via hospitals. The firm offers low-cost, wide-range comprehensive cancer care, which is profitable.
With about 60 hospital partnerships by December 2023, Karkinos is also building a 150-bed multispecialty cancer hospital in Imphal, Manipur. Its revenue streams include advanced cancer diagnostics, a distributed cancer care network, and corporate tie-ups for early cancer detection.
Future plans
Reliance will use its technological expertise and vast distribution networks to create integrated healthcare solutions, including digital health platforms, telemedicine services, and advanced delivery models. The company’s increasing investments in healthcare are in line with its vision of making high-end medical care accessible across India.
Through strategic acquisitions, Reliance continues to redefine its business model, positioning itself for long-term growth in emerging industries while strengthening its leadership in new markets. This expansive growth strategy showcases its ambition to stay ahead in a competitive and evolving global landscape.
