Blackburn Rovers Football Club is owned by V H Group, an Indian poultry conglomerate, through its subsidiary Venkys London Ltd.
Understanding the Ownership
The ownership of Blackburn Rovers transitioned in November 2010 when Venkateshwara Hatcheries Private Limited (V H Group), headquartered in Pune, India, completed their takeover of the club. They acquired Blackburn Rovers through their UK-based subsidiary, Venkys London Ltd. This acquisition marked a significant moment in English football, as Blackburn Rovers became the first Premier League club to be entirely owned by Indian interests.
The V H Group, commonly known by its brand name Venky's, is a global leader in poultry production, pharmaceuticals, and animal health products. Their investment in Blackburn Rovers aimed to expand their brand's global presence and diversify their business portfolio.
Key Details of the Acquisition
The acquisition brought a new era to the club, moving away from the long-standing ownership of the Jack Walker Trust.
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Owner | V H Group (through Venkys London Ltd.) |
| Date of Acquisition | November 2010 |
| Origin of Owner | Pune, Maharashtra, India |
| Primary Business | Poultry, pharmaceuticals, animal health |
- The takeover deal was reportedly worth around £23 million, inclusive of the club's debts at the time.
- Venkys London Ltd. is the legal entity that directly holds the club's shares.
- The V H Group's foray into English football garnered significant media attention due to their unique background as a poultry company.
The V H Group (Venky's)
Venkateshwara Hatcheries Private Limited (V H Group) is a multi-faceted conglomerate with a vast presence in the global poultry industry. Founded in 1971 by Dr. B.V. Rao, often referred to as the "father of the Indian poultry industry," the group has grown into a diverse entity. Beyond their core poultry operations, they have interests in:
- Animal Health Products: Developing and manufacturing veterinary medicines.
- Pharmaceuticals: Producing a range of human health products.
- Processed Food: Offering various ready-to-eat and processed food items.
- Brewing: Involved in the production of alcoholic beverages.
- Sports: With Blackburn Rovers as their most notable venture.
Their ownership of Blackburn Rovers represents a strategic move to leverage the global appeal of the Premier League (at the time of acquisition) and English football to enhance their international brand recognition.
