After the death of business tycoon Dhirubhai Ambani, his Rs 80,000 crore Reliance empire fell into the hands of sons Anil and Mukesh. The duo, however, could not take forward the legacy of an undivided business empire and hence resulted one of India's most publicised business splits. Here's a chronology of how it all unfolded.
2004-11-18
I have ownership differences with Anil: Mukesh
The first chinks in the Reliance empire come to light as Reliance group chairman Mukesh Ambani admits to differences with his brother Anil over 'ownership issues' but said 'they are in the private domain.'
2004-11-21
Ambanis to discuss ownership issue
The Ambani brothers decide to meet and sort out ‘ownership issues’ in the Rs 80,000-crore Reliance group.
2004-11-22
'Mukesh was made successor by Dhirubhai'
Reliance group says the ongoing ownership controversy will be resolved soon to the satisfaction of all concerned.
No ownership issues in RIL: Mukesh
Reliance Group chairman Mukesh Ambani says his remarks on ownership issues were torn out of context and that his father Dhirubhai Ambani had settled all ownership issues.
2004-11-23
I am the final authority on RIL: Mukesh
A day after going public with his statement on 'ownership differences' in the Reliance Industries, Mukesh sends out e-mail to the company saying his is the final word in the matter.
2004-11-24
RIL director resigns, denies controversy
A senior board member of RIL, resigns stating due to advancing age and not due to any controversy about the empire.
2004-11-25
Six directors of Reliance Energy quit
The battle heats up as six directors from Reliance Energy quit. News of the mass resignations sent the company's shares plunging.
Ambanis consult legal experts
Anil Ambani continues his public silence, but the two siblings begin consultations with their lawyers.
2004-11-26
10-page deed signed by family key to divide
If the Ambani controversy finds its way to the courts, one of the things both sides will contest is what to make of a 10-page document they signed together.
I was kept in the dark: Anil Ambani
Anil writes to Mukesh, says he was kept in the dark about the plans, and that some directors had been taken into confidence about it.
2004-11-27
It is indeed a sorry state of affairs: Anil
"It pains me that 2 AGMs and over 8 board meetings have taken place in the absence of Pappa and unfortunately, things have now come to such a pass"
Mukesh meets RIL directors, hopeful of solution
A day after the en masse resignations by six directors, serious lobbying begins to resolve dispute. Mukesh says he's hopeful of settling the row.
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2004-11-28
Anil requests six directors to continue
Company officials said the directors, who had announced their resignations, were working but did not say if they had agreed to take back their resignations.
2004-11-29
Ambani’s hometown prays for the family
Kukaswada’s residents proudly tell every visitor that Dhirubhai Ambani was born here and studied in neighbouring Chorwad town.
Anil ‘saddened’, seeks employees' support
Anil Ambani seeks the support of the entire group for himself and his elder brother Mukesh, reserves comments on ownership issues.
2004-11-30
Anil's REL aprroaches Mukesh's RIL
Anil Ambani reposes full faith in the present management, approaches parent company for future plans.
2004-12-01
Investors cheer signs of thaw at Reliance
Signs of thaw between Anil and Mukesh become apparent. Investors believe rift won't last long.
Blood is thicker than water: Mukesh Ambani
Friends of the family, religious leaders and close family associates lobby hard to mediate between the Ambani brothers.
2004-12-06
Family demands owneship details from Mukesh
Matriarch Kokilaben and sisters Dipti and Neena request Mukesh to furnish appropriate details as per his statement
FM steps in, asks Ambanis to cool down
We learn that the public fracas at Reliance has gone from ‘boil’ to ‘simmer’, says Finance Minister P Chidambaram.
2004-12-08
Anil fires missive at Mukesh
The battle between the Ambanis intensified with Anil questioning Mukesh on his assertion that ownership issues were settled.
2004-12-10
'Anil rules out compromise'
Even as Mukesh reportedly gets willing to discuss the separation of the business empire.
2004-12-11
Govt should acquire Reliance group: Swamy
Janata Party president Subramaniam Swamy suggests government should intervene in the affairs of Reliance group.
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I also work for Reliance: Anil Ambani
'In every adversity there is an opportunity', Anil makes the statement amid heightening curiousity.
2004-12-15
Ambanis should remain together: Big B
Filmstar Amitabh Bachchan, a close friend of the Ambani family, said the family should 'remain together and work together'.
2004-12-19
Investors' interests will be protected: Anil
Anil Ambani assures investors that their interest will be protected and 'whatever' happens in future will be 'good'.
RIM assails vilification campaign against Mukesh
Mukesh's Reliance Infocomm says it had invested over Rs 14,000 cr towards the largest information and communication infrastructure.
2004-12-20
RIL ignores Anil Ambani's demands
Mukesh called a board meeting on December 27 to consider buyback of shares, ignoring younger brother Anil's demand.
2004-12-22
Mukesh accepts RIL treasurer's resignation
The resignation of Amitabh Jhunjhunwala as Treasurer of Reliance Industries Limited is accepted.
2004-12-24
Mukesh gives up Infocomm shares
In a counter-offensive against warring younger brother Anil, the RIL Chairman gives up Rs 50 crore shares at face value.
‘Mukesh not interested in personal wealth’
A spokesperson of Reliance Communications Ltd says that Mukesh is just like his father late Dhirubhai.
Anil Ambani meets FM
Anil refuses to comment on what he discussed with finance Minister P Chidambaram in an hour-long meeting.
2004-12-27
RIL board approves buyback of shares
Anil Ambani leaves the board meeting of the company midway, does not participate in the voting process.
2004-12-29
RIL not to buy shares from promoters
Reliance Industries Ltd decides not to buy shares from promoters or through negotiated deals under the buyback arrangement.
2005-01-03
Anil Ambani resigns as IPCL vice-chairman
The battle is now, officially in the open. Anil Ambani resigns as vice chairman and Director of the Reliance group company IPCL.
2005-01-07
FM to Ambanis: Settle your differences
"The Ambani brothers should settle their differences amicably and arrive at a settlement."
2005-01-06
Anil Ambani meets PM, Chidambaram
It was not immediately known as to what Anil discussed with Chidambaram. He donated Rs 1 crore in the PM relief fund for Tsunami victims.
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2005-01-15
Amar Singh shrugs responsibility
Samajwadi Party general secretary Amar Singh said it was wrong to link him or party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav with the ongoing feud.
2005-01-19
Four REL directors withdraw resignations
Four of the six full-time directors of Reliance Energy on Wednesday withdrew their resignations, with the company's board of directors asking them to do so.
2005-01-20
Anil seeks report on Anand Jain's RIL deals
Firing a fresh salvo against elder brother Mukesh Ambani's key associate Anand Jain, Anil seeks an independent report on Jain's business dealings.
IPCL asks Anil to reconsider resignation
Anil had earlier tendered resignation saying he would not work on the same board as Anand Jain.
2005-01-22
Mukesh to Anil: Beta, let's meet and talk
Beyond their public spat, the Ambani brothers explore the possibility of ending their feud through one-on-one discussion.
Anil adamant, says resolve issues first
Virtually turning down the request of Reliance group company IPCL for reconsidering his resignation, Anil seeks resolution of issues.
2005-03-24
Reliance brothers feud close to settlement
Representatives of the brothers have been in talks with a mediator during the day to thrash out a settlement
2005-05-04
Mukesh Ambani meets Manmohan in Delhi
Mukesh Ambani met Manmohan Singh and one of his top lieutenant held discussions with Finance ministry officials.
2005-06-15
Ambani brothers' settlement seems a possibility
An end to the bitter seven-month old battle appears imminent and an announcement about the settlement is likely to be made on July 6.
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2005-06-08
RIL to supply gas to REL
Mukesh Ambani controlled RIL assures gas supply to a proposed 3,740 MW gas-based project by younger brother Anil Ambani
Centre ‘concerned’ over Reliance battle
The Ministry of Company Affairs said it had received complaints from Anil Ambani against Mukesh.
2005-06-18
RIL board approves demerger
RIL board approves a demerger plan as part of separation Reliance Energy and Reliance Capital to create a separate entity for Anil Ambani.
Anil steps down as RIL vice chairman
Anil Ambani resigns from the company, decides not to attend the board meeting being chaired by Mukesh.
Kokila forces Reliance peace
The fight for the Reliance empire was resolved with Mukesh and his younger brother Anil reaching an agreement to divide the assets.
2005-06-19
Anil Dhirubhai Ambani group to control three of Anil's cos
Anil Ambani announce a new group Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Enterprises' to control the three companies that came under his fold.
Reliance brand name, logo open to Ambanis
There may have been many a differences between them but both Mukesh Ambani and his younger brother Anil are free to use the powerful corporate brand name.
2005-06-20
Emotional Mukesh says goodbye to Infocomm
Mukesh sent an 'emotional' farewell message to the employees of Reliance Infocomm, considered his pet project.
2005-06-22
Govt to go ahead on complaints filed by Anil Ambani
Government says it would continue to do its work on the complaints filed by Anil Ambani.
2005-06-26
RIC Board reconstituted, Anil becomes Chairman
Anil takes over as Chairman of Reliance Infocomm after the Mukesh resigned as Chairman along with five other directors.
2005-07-03
Ambanis have first family get together after settlement
The entire Ambani family comes together for the first time for a pooja ahead of third death anniversary of Dhirubhai Ambani.
2005-08-03
Anil to sign non-competing deal with Mukesh
ADA Enterprises chairman Anil Ambani declares there would be a non-competing agreement between his group and the parent group.
RIL demerges power, financial, telecom business
RIL demerges power, financial, telecom business. Reliance Industries has approved the demerger of power, financial and telecommunication.
2006-01-17
Mukesh beats Anil in land deal
Reliance Industries clinch a land deal with a winning bid of Rs 1,104.11 crore for a 7.5-acre plot at the Bandra-Kurla complex.
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