RAHIMAFROOZ GROUP

Evaluation of the Company:

Origin
A man of strict religious values, yet a believer in progressive dynamism, and a dreamer who
thought nothing is impossible Late A.C Abdur Rahim overcame numerous challenges and
obstacles to become one of the most accomplished entrepreneurs of this country. Born on the
20th of January 1915, he lost both his parents by the time he was seven years of age. Deprived of
formal schooling and a typically comfortable childhood, he grew up as a man with strong
determination, hardworking diligence, and humane compassion.
By the early 1940s, Mr. Rahim started small scale commercial trading on his own. He moved to
Chittagong in 1947 and started afresh with very little capital in hand, but with a whole world of
courage and faith. In 1950, he established the small trading concern dealing in various items.
This proprietary business was formally incorporated on April 15, 1954 as Rahimafrooz & Co.
Till date; Rahimafrooz Group commemorates this as its Foundation Day. Mr. Rahims passion
for continuously improving himself, his religious and ethical righteousness and his dedication to
please his customers are still prevalent in todays Rahimafrooz culture - shaping the Groups
present and its future. Todays Rahimafrooz is a dream that Mr. A C Abdur Rahim turned into
reality. The business growth, the social commitment, and the great diversity in todays
Rahimafrooz are the outcome of one lifetime of hard work and compassion from Mr. Rahim.

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Over the decades, Rahimafrooz has grown in size, scale, and diversity. The Group today has
Eight Operating Companies (SBUs), a few other business ventures, and a not for profit social
enterprise. As of 2015, the Group currently employs more than three thousand people directly
and a further fifty thousand indirectly as suppliers, contractors, dealers and retailers.
Rahimafrooz operates in four broad segments Storage Power, Automotive & Electronics,
Energy and Retail.
The company has strengthened their market leadership at home while reaching out to
international markets through their offerings ranging from automotive aftermarket products,
energy and power solutions, to a world class retail chain. The team at Rahimafrooz is committed
to ensuring the best in quality standards and living the Groups five core values Integrity,
Excellence, Customer Delight, Innovation and inspiring people.
Rahimafrooz has been a partner in the development journey of this nation for more than fiftyfive years now. They set themselves to the highest standards in responsible corporate behavior
and their passion for success is aligned with the development of the country. They are committed
to playing a leading role in driving growth, prosperity, ethical values and social responsibility.
They continue to serve their customers through unparallel quality excellence and service
superiority. Their business success has been complemented by their commitment to the
environment, society and community.

Aspiration
To be the most admired and trusted organization through excelling in everything they do,
following ethical business practices and adding value to stakeholders.

Vision 2015
A billion dollar diversified group committed to adding value to all stake holders and
community.

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 Core Values
The core values of RAHIMAFROOZ are:

Integrity in their dealings.

Excellence in everything they do.
Total commitment to Customer Satisfaction.
Thinking ahead and taking New Initiatives.
Valuing and Inspiring People.

Quality Policy

They are totally committed to customer delight through operational excellence, innovation and
continual improvement of quality.

The Journey to Success

1954
1959
1978
1980
1985
1985
1992
1993
1994
1997

Incorporated by Mr. A.C. Abdur Rahim

Distributorship of Lucas Battery
Exclusive distributorship of Dunlop Tyre
Acquisition of Bangladesh operations of Lucas UK
First producer of industrial battery
Pioneering Solar Power in collaboration with British Petroleum (BP)
First ever battery exports to Singapore
Launched Rahimafrooz Instant Power System (IPS)
Acquisition of Yuasa Batteries (Bangladesh) Ltd. and launched Excel Retreads
Attained ISO 9002 certification for Rahimafrooz Batteries Ltd. (RBL)
operations

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2000
2001
2001
2001
2002
2003
2003
2004
2004
2004
2006
2008
2009
2009
2009
2010
2011

2012
2013
2014
2014
2014

First office in India opened in Ahmedabad

Awarded Bangladesh Enterprise of the Year
Attained ISO 14001:1996 for RBL operations
Launched Agora the first ever chain of retail supermarket in Bangladesh
Launched Rahimafrooz Energy Services Ltd. (RESL) promoting distributed
power
Established Rahimafrooz CNG Ltd.
Awarded National Export Trophy
Metronet Bangladesh, a fibre optic based digital solution provider for
data communication, launched in joint venture with Flora Telecom
Received McGraw-Hill Platt Global Energy Award for Renewable Energy
The Group celebrated its 50th anniversary on April 15, with a renewed,
enhanced commitment to being successful while upholding its core values
Received the Ashden Award for Sustainable Energy
Launched "Quikfill"- the first ever chain of branded CNG refueling stations in
Bangladesh
Established Rahimafrooz Globatt Ltd. and Rahimafrooz Accumulators Ltd.
Rahimafrooz launched multi brand consumer electronics outlet UREKA
Rahimafrooz launched world renowned consumer electronics brand Daweoo
Rahimafrooz Inaugurates its biggest and most modern warehouse at
Hemayatpur, Savar
Established Rahimafrooz CIC Agro Ltd.

Rahimafrooz Renewable Energy Ltd. commenced its commercial operation of

PV plant
Awarded National Export Trophy for 2010-2011
Received " National Environment Award " by The Ministry of Environment &
Forests
Awarded "Green Business Award" by Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and
Industries
Rahimafrooz IPS has won the Best Brand Award 2014 for the 3rd consecutive
year in IPS category.

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Degree of diversification
Rahimafrooz Bangladesh Ltd.
Rahimafrooz Bangladesh Ltd. (RABL) is the Group Parent Company that supports and guides
the Strategic Business Units (SBU) from the Rahimafrooz Corporate Office (RACO). It
ensures continuous management innovation, best utilization of technology, new initiatives,
corporate governance and adoption of best global practices. The organization comprises of the
Group Board Office, Group Information Technology Centre (GITC) and the functional teams of
Finance & Accounting, HR & Administration, Corporate Marketing, Group QMS and
Compliance. Rahimafrooz Groups businesses can be described according to four broad
segments that its companies operate in.
1.

Storage Power:

Rahimafrooz Group is the largest manufacturer and exporter of automotive and industrial
batteries in Bangladesh and has the largest battery export plant in South Asia.
Companies in these divisions are-

A) Rahimafrooz Accumulators Ltd.

Rahimafrooz Group started manufacturing industrial batteries in the year 1991, in collaboration
with Electrona of Switzerland. Rahimafrooz Accumulators Ltd. (RAL) commenced operation
from 2009, as a separate unit to cater to the growing needs of the local as well as international
market. RAL produces and markets a wide range of industrial batteries which are used in
telecommunication, power station, railways, electric vehicles, forklifts, ships, buoy lighting,
UPS, inverter and solar power systems. It aims to manufacture high quality batteries by
employing new and innovative technology, which offers safer and more environment-friendly
manufacturing processes. The Company maintains high standards of its operations that are
certified in both ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards. RAL aspires to be the leading industrial
battery manufacturer for traction, stationary, solar and VRLA batteries in the South Asia region.
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B)

Rahimafrooz Batteries Ltd.

Rahimafrooz Batteries Ltd. (RBL) is the largest lead-acid battery manufacturer in Bangladesh.
The company is one of the leading regional players, with market leadership at home and export
endeavours to more than 44 countries around the world. It manufactures about 200 different
varieties of batteries for automotive, motorcycle, IPS and other applications in its factory located
at West Panisail, Zirani Bazaar, Gazipur. The Company maintains high standards of operations,
which are certified in both ISO 9001 as well as ISO 14001 standards. Furthermore, in order to
ensure occupational health and safety of its employees, the company has also implemented the
occupational health and safety management system, OSHAS 18001 standard. Lucas and Spark
are the leading names in the local automotive battery market while Volta, Optus and Delta are
gaining equity as international brands.

C) Rahimafrooz Globatt Ltd.

Rahimafrooz Globatt Ltd (RGL) is the global wing of Rahimafrooz group. As part of excelling
two decades of international market experience and aspiring to become a truly global company,
this state of the art Maintenance Free (MF) and Sealed Maintenance Free (SMF) battery
manufacturing plant was established in the year 2009. With 2.5 million unit production capacity
per year, RGL is the largest battery export plant in South Asia. In recognition to its quality
management system, RGL has received ISO 9001:2008 Certification from Orion Registrar, Inc.,
USA. The manufacturing process of RGL ensures highest level of environment sustainability.
RGL offers a broad range of maintenance free automotive batteries manufactured according to
JIS and DIN standard for a variety of vehicles, ranging from small cars to large commercial
vehicles. RGL also manufactures deep cycle battery for inverter application. All these batteries
have been designed by one of the leading German company. These batteries are designed for
millions of vehicle enthusiasts across Asia & Pacific, Middle East, Africa, Europe and Americas.
As the pay off line of its flagship brand GLOBATT Drive Within illustrates, the battery is
winning heart and mind of the consumers around the globe through its unparallel performance.

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2.

Automotive and Electronics:

Rahimafrooz Group markets and distributes various automotive after-market products

such as automotive batteries, tyres and lubricant as well as electronics ranging from home
appliances, power backup systems, lighting products, and electrical accessories. The
Group is also one of the leading complete CNG solution providers in the country.
Companies in these divisions are-

A) Rahimafrooz Distribution Ltd.

Rahimafrooz Distribution Ltd. (RDL) is the distribution wing of the Group, having a present
nationwide distribution network of 172 Dealers, 263 Retailers and 102 Lubricant Dealers and
carrying over ten national and international brands. It is the clear leader in the automotive
aftermarket and emergency power products categories.
RDLs portfolio includes international tyre brands Dunlop, Kenda and Apollo while it also
carries its own brand RZ Tyre and battery brands Globatt, Lucas and Spark. RDL is the exclusive
franchisee of the worlds leading lubricant brand Castrol. Through Rahimafrooz IPS, UPS and
Voltage Stabiliser, the company enjoys clear leadership of the emergency power products market.
In addition, it also runs eight automobile service centres in Dhaka and Chittagong. Recently the
company has entered the electronic goods market. It distributes and markets various household
appliances and electronic goods through RDLs newly inaugurated electronics retail chain, Ureka
and its numerous sales outlets.

B) Rahimafrooz Gastech Ltd.

Rahimafrooz Gastech Ltd. (RAGT) was formerly known as Rahimafrooz CNG Ltd. established
in 2003. In 2012, the company was rebranded as RAGT to widen its scope of serving more
customers in the gas segment of Bangladesh. RAGT operates in the following business areas.
CNG Conversion and Auto Services: RAGT provides CNG conversion and auto services for
all kinds of vehicles through four Conversion and Services Centers (CSC) in Dhaka and
Chittagong. These centers also provide vehicle maintenance and repair services like fuel system
servicing, engine maintenance, brake and suspension servicing, electrical work etc.
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Quikfill
CNG Sales: RAGT manages Quikfill, the first ever chain of branded CNG refueling stations in
Bangladesh. Quikfill is presently serving customers of Dhaka, Chittagong, Manikgong and
Tangail. More new Quikfill stations are planned to be established in Dhaka, Chittagong and other
Major cities and highways.
Station Equipment Sales: RAGT serves its valued customers with the best quality CNG Station
Equipments of European origin. It offers Turn Key solution for both online and off line CNG
refueling stations.
Technical services for CNG equipments and refueling station: RAGT, with its trained and
professional technical team, also offers technical services for CNG refueling station equipments
all across the country. This team is competent and well equipped to provide services to different
brands of CNG equipment in the country.
Oil and Gas Field: RAGT also operates in oil and gas field industry in collaboration with some
internationally renowned manufacturer, supplier and contractor. The major areas of operations
are:

Gas Processing Plants:

RAGT, in collaboration with international partners, offers Engineering Procurement and
Constructions (EPC) solution for establishing different gas process plants e.g. MSTE (Molecular
Sieve Tubular Expander), Glycol de-hydration to government organizations like Sylhet Gas
Fields Company Ltd. (SGFL), Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Ltd.
(BAPEX) and Bangladesh Gas Fields Company Ltd. (BGFCL). The company also facilitates the
private sector to establish related process industries such as Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)
filling plants, Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) processing plants, Condensate processing plants etc.

Gas field products:

RAGT also supplies gas field related equipments like wellhead control panel, drill bits, flanges,
valves, gasket, drill & line pipes, casing, tubing etc to the Government and multinational
organizations.
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Strengthening Gas Pipe line Network:

RAGT is also involved in the execution of different gas pipe line projects for Gas Transmission
Company Ltd. (GTCL) to strengthen the gas supply network in the country. This includes gas
compressing and pumping stations, regulating and metering stations. Laying of new pipe line
from 6 till 30 diameter including HDD. Testing, maintenance and servicing of the existing gas
pipe line network for GTCL, TITAS, Bakhrabad, Jalalabad are also done under this segment.

Gas Transportation and Distribution:

RAGT offers contractual services for transporting and distributing gas from near well station of
different multinational organization.

3.

Energy:

Rahimafrooz Group has a significant presence in the energy sector of Bangladesh and
offers a wide range of renewable and conventional energy solutions.
Companies in these divisions are-

A) Rahimafrooz Renewable Energy Ltd.

Transforming the lives of people and lighting up different corners of the country, Rahimafrooz
Renewable Energy Ltd. (RREL) has been providing Solar Energy solutions for households,
agriculture, healthcare, education, telecommunication, rural streets and marketplaces, as well as
government and private institutions. To date, RREL has lightened up more than 100,000 rural
homes in Bangladesh and the Company is endeavoring to do much more in the future. RREL is
also the pioneer in providing solar-hybrid solutions for Telecom Operators BTS towers and solar
powered irrigation systems in Bangladesh.

B) Rahimafrooz Energy Services Ltd.

Rahimafrooz Energy Services Ltd. (RESL) was established in the year 2000 as a standby, captive
and distributed power solution provider. It is a leading name in the diesel generator industry
having a customer base of nearly 900. At present the number of RESL installed generators is
more than 3000 (20 KVA to 1500 KVA). Its clientele comprises of industrial plants, real estates,
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hospitals, educational institutions, telecoms, supermarkets, corporate houses, NGOs, embassies

and various government establishments. The company is marketing diesel generators from
Pramac Power Engineering, Italy and Spain (20 to 2500 KVA), and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
Limited, Japan (650 to 4500 KVA). RESL is also providing Rental Power with both diesel and
gas generators. The company is planning to launch Mitsubishi gas generator (1.0 MW) in the
near future.

4.

Retail:

Rahimafrooz Group introduced the first retail chain of superstores in Bangladesh and has
played a major role in redefining everyday shopping.
Companies in these divisions are-

A) Rahimafrooz Superstores Ltd.

Rahimafrooz Superstores Ltd. (RSL) launched Agora the first ever retail chain in Bangladesh in
2001. Agora promises a valuable shopping experience that provides quality and fresh products at
the right price. It aims to consistently provide a remarkably satisfying and valuable shopping
experience through a business that improves the quality of life for customers and team members.
With outlets in major locations throughout Dhaka, and many more being planned in Dhaka and
other major cities, Agora is endeavoring to fulfill the everyday needs of its customers by
providing the right quality, assortment and price through stores of various forms and sizes. While
Agora mainly focuses on food items - ranging from a wide variety of fish, meat, vegetables,
fruits, bakery, dairy, and grocery - it also carries a vast array of other grocery, personal care, and
various other consumer goods and household utensils.

Other Ventures:
A) Rahimafrooz CIC Agro Limited
Rahimafrooz CIC Agro Limited (RCAL) is a reflection of Rahimafroozs vision to be a leader of
the best qualiy produce from seed to shelf. The company was established in June 2011 as a
joint venture with CIC Agri Businesses (Private) Limited, a leading company in Sri Lanka.
RCAL aspires to provide farmers with complete agricultural solutions by emphasizing
sufficiency through modernization of agriculture production, with particular attention on
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increased production, processing and value addition. The company is focused on modernizing &
bringing efficiency to Plant Nutrition, Mechanization & Tissue Culture through continuous
research & development.
Plant Nutrition, Seed & Planting Material:
RCAL produces & imports the best quality seed & planting material, fertilizer for rural farmers,
home gardeners and horticulturist. Seeds are continuously tested for viability and to regulate
proper physical conditions for germination and growth of seed. RCAL is also engaged in the
introduction of new cultivation technology to the country. Ensuring maximum yield and thus
bumper harvest for customers is their priority. RCAL services are available for both own &
contract farming. The company also provides consultancy for farmers / growers.
Agri-Machanization:
With a mind to continually improve agricultural efforts in Bangladesh, RCAL imports premium
quality agriculture machinery focusing on crop plantation, post harvestation & irrigation. These
machineries, including tractor, rotavator, power tiller and diesel engines, are available across the
country through our strong sales network. RCAL is the national distributor of technologically
advanced Deutz-Fahr tractors, the only German brand tractor in Bangladesh which is compatible
for the land and road conditions of Bangladesh. The power tillers and diesel engines are available
under the name of TARA.
Tissue Culture:
RCAL has its own farm consisting of a state-of-the-art tissue culture laboratory for the
production of tissue culture planting material of fruits and ornamental plants.
After Sale Service:
RCAL also provides its customers with after sales services through a highly trained technical
team located at branch offices throughout the country. Services include installation and
demonstration session immediately after sales, and also periodic training and troubleshooting at
customer location. They endeavor to ensure availability of spare parts at dealer points across the
country.
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B) Core Knowledge:
Core Knowledge (Core-K) is a new initiative of Rahimafrooz Group. Core-K was started in 2009
with the aim to support the countrys vision of Education for All. Through dedication to helping
educational and research institutions discover, use, and build upon a wide range of e-content,
Core-K's goal is to equip these institutions as best as possible in a digital age where globally
education is the most important tool in the 21st century.
As an education focused digital content distributor, Core-K is placed to work with Bangladesh's
education community and bring them onto the same page internationally by promoting the
discovery and use of online resources. Core-Ks goal is to bring the e-resources of hundreds of
leading publishers to the fingertips of a newly digital Bangladesh, from scholars at universities to
the students of primary schools. The education sector in Bangladesh can move at the same pace
as the rest of the world, and it is Core-K's belief that this service will help close the gap.
Core-Ks vision is to become a leader in the delivery of web and mobile based e-content products
in the Bangladesh market. The company will achieve its vision by sourcing the most appropriate
e-content products in English and Bangla and by delivering them via multiple channels. Core-K
also enables its clients to build their own virtual library in a simple and cost-effective manner,
eliminating the difficulties that schools, universities and research organizations face when they
depend primarily on print resources. As a gateway to innumerable e-books, journals, reference
databases and other learning material, Core-K will be invaluable to students, teachers and
researchers alike.

C) MetroNet Bangladesh Ltd:

MetroNet Bangladesh Ltd. (MBL) is a joint venture company of Rahimafrooz Bangladesh Ltd. It
is the first organization in Bangladesh to install fully digital, fibre optical commercial networking
backbone. MBL provides robust data communication services to private sector offices, financial
institutions, ATMs, and many other institutions.

D) RZ Power Ltd:
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RZ Power Ltd. (RZPL), a subsidiary of Rahimafrooz, is the lowest cost High Speed Diesel
(HSD) power plant connected to the national grid. RZ Power commenced operation of its 50MW
diesel-fired power plant in Thakurgaon in September 2010 the first local company to have done
so. Within 2013, the plant is expected to provide approximately BDT 590 millions in savings for
the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) compared to other companies supplying power to the grid
from other HSD power plant. This was also the first rental power project in the country to be
financed by the Bangladesh Banks dollar fund. RZ Powers project will be contributing towards
reducing the energy crisis in Bangladesh. The companys success in implementing the power
project has set an example for other rental power companies and will help reinstate some
confidence in local rental power companies.

E) Rahimafrooz Customer Care Center:

In line with the companys core value of Total Commitment to Customer Satisfaction,
Rahimafrooz launched the new Customer Care Center on March 2011. A customer can now
dial 16213 or 096 123 16213 from any land line or mobile phone and talk directly with the
customer care agents from 8.00 am to 10.00 pm any day of the year. Equipped with state-of-theart technological facilities, amenities and trained agents, the Rahimafrooz Customer Care Center
is easily accessible to customers for any information, service request or complaint regarding
Rahimafrooz products and services.

Projection of the Company:

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As per discussion with Mr. Sabbir Ahmed, General Manager, Accounts & Finance of
Rahimafrooz Storage Power Division we have found out that, currently they dont have any
foreign operation and they are mainly focusing on Export. Rahimafrooz Globatt playing a
leading role in automotive battery exports to India, Japan, Singapore and Middle Eastern
markets. For Rahimafrooz Batteries Limited; Lucas and Spark are the leading names in the local
automotive battery market while Volta, Optus and Delta are gaining equity as international
brands. In the 1992 Rahimafrooz first ever exports battery export to Singapore. Marketing
manager added, Rahimafrooz Accumulators Ltd aspires to be the leading industrial battery
manufacturer for traction, stationary, solar and VRLA batteries in the South Asia region.
Moreover, there are also opportunities in countries such as Thailand, Nepal, Afghanistan and
countries in Africa where application of solar energy is being expanded. Upon inquiry of future
projection of the company Mr, Sabbir added, till now he dont see any projection from
Rahimafrooz Group to start international operation but if situation demands in future they will
think of it.

NAVANA GROUP
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Any discussion about the leading Bangladeshi conglomerates will be incomplete without Navana
Group, one of the most successful business ventures of the country. Navana Group has already
established significant impact on the real estate, textile, automobile, paints, battery, furniture,
logistics and electronics sector of Bangladesh.

Evolution of Navana Group:

Birth:
Navana Group has a long business history in Bangladesh which started even before the birth of
Bangladesh herself. But like a lot of other big and successful ventures, Navana Group started its
journey with small steps and in this case, inside another company. It started its journey within
Islam Group, which was led by one of the most successful business pioneer of Bangladesh of all
time, Mr. Jahurul Islam.
Navana Limited, the flagship company of Navana Group was established in 1964, which was
then a sister concern of Islam Group. Back then, Navana Limited stepped into the business
under an exclusive distributorship agreement with TOYOTA of Japan to market Toyota cars in
the East Pakistan. It became a successful project and within five years, it captured almost 80% of
the automobile market of Bangladesh. In a later year the Group has entered into an exclusive
distributor franchise with HINO Motors of Japan, which also gained another significant market
share in a small time.
Aftab Automobiles Ltd. was formed in 1981 under Islam Group, which started assembling
Toyota and Hino vehicles for Bangladeshi market in 1982. It has the largest private automobile
assembling unit in the country. It became a listed company of Dhaka Stock Exchange in 1987
and of Chittagong Stock Exchange at 1996.
At 1996, after the death of Mr. Jahurul Islam, the founder and chairman of Islam Group, Navana
Limited and Aftab Automobiles Ltd. got separated from the Islam Group and together formed
Navana Group under the leadership of Mr. Shafiul Islam Kamal, the chairman of the newly
formed group.

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 Growth:
The year 1996 was as important year for Navana Group not only for getting its own entity, but
also for starting new ventures. In this year, two new venture of Navana Group was formed,
named Navana Construction Ltd. and Navana Real Estate Ltd. Navana Construction Ltd. (NCL)
a full-fledged construction wing of Navana Group. Navana Real Estate Ltd aimed to the
developments of real estate in Bangladesh.
In the trading front, the Group has brought into existence a separate trading unit in 1996 namely
Biponon Limited. This company commenced business in the potential field of Health and
Medical Equipment Sector. In the same year 1996, Navana group launched Navana Computers &
Technologies Ltd. to meet the growing demands in the I.T. sector of Bangladesh. It earned the
distributorship of Hewlett Packard and Gateway to market their products in Bangladesh. This
company started production of NAVANA brand AVR & subsequently considering the market
prospect it also started production of IPS & UPS in May 2000.
In 1998, Aftab Automobiles Ltd. has gone under a massive BMRE program and as a result of the
program, it started its Body Fabricating Unit, Paint Manufacturing Unit and Battery Unit. At the
same year, taking into consideration of the importance of the aid worthy projects, Navana Group
introduced another company named Navana Interlinks Limited in its chain. Navana Interlinks
Limited has started involving in the potential sector of Civil Aviation, Telecommunication,
Power Development, Heavy & Light Industry Sector, Food Sector, Chemical & Bulk
Commodities Supply & Indenting, as well as turnkey projects in these sectors
Aftab Automobiles Limited started paint manufacturing unit from 1999 as a subsidiary to
produce decorative and industrial paints for the local market. The same company started to
produce and sell vehicle and I.P.S. batteries in 2002. Although the target customers for this
project are currently the local market, but the company has plans to export the batteries abroad.
The new company formed for producing paint as Navana Paints in 2000. At the same year, they
launched Navana Taxi Cab Co. Ltd to meet the challenging demand to transportation in Dhaka.
In 2010, the battery manufacturing unit was renamed as Navana Batteries Ltd.

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A successful concern of this group, Navana CNG Ltd. started its operation in 2001 as Navana
Limited (CNG Unit). Since then it is setting up plants at different regions of Bangladesh. It
emerged as an individual entity as Navana CNG Ltd. in 2004.
NAVANA Furniture was founded on 2002 to serve the local furniture market, which possesses
capabilities that are fully integrated, from designing, prototyping, material selection and molding
through testing, assembling and distribution.
In 2003, Navana Group formed Navana Textile, a 100% export oriented sweater factory. It
produces pullover, Cardigan, Vest, Top, Muffler, Scarf made with 100% Acrylic, Wool, Cotton as
well as many types of composite & fancy yarns. In this year, this group also launched Navana
Distributions Ltd., to produce and market FMCG like Flour, Suzi, Salt, Rice, Chanachur,
Mastered Oil and so on.
Navana Petroleum Limited. (NPL) has inaugurated its operation on April 6, 2006 as the
marketing company of Caltex brand in Bangladesh.
Another concern of Navana Group, Navana Logistic Ltd. was founded on 2007, which acts as an
international air and sea forwarder. Navana Group started its business in the power generating
sector in 2011 as Navana Power, which includes two units. Navana Power Generation Limited
sells generators for home and industrial use, where Navana Renewable Energy Limited
concentrates on renewable energy like solar power.
In 2012, the AVR, IPS & UPS production unit got separated from Navana Computers &
Technologies and emerged as a new company named Navana Electronics Ltd. In this year, this
group also starts its business in food and hospitality industry in Bangladesh as Navana Foods
limited. They have brought the popular franchise name Gloria Jeans Coffees.
Chart: History of Navana Group at a glace
Year
1964
1981
1982
1996

Event
Navana Limited was formed inside Islam Group
Aftab Automobiles Ltd. was formed inside Islam Group
Aftab Automobiles Ltd. started its operation
Aftab Automobiles Ltd. and Navana Limited got separated from Islam Group and together
formed Navana Group
Navana Construction Ltd. was formed and started operation

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1998
1999
2000

2001
2002
2003
2004
2006
2007
2010
2011
2012

Navana Real Estate Ltd. was formed and started operation

Biponon Limited was formed and started operation
Navana Computers & Technologies Ltd. was formed and started operation
Navana Interlinks Limited started its operation
Aftab Automobiles Ltd. started producing paints
Aftab Automobiles Ltd. started producing I.P.S. and U.P.S.
The paint producing unit of Aftab Automobiles Ltd. started operating as Navana Paint
Navana Taxi cab co. Limited was launched
Navana Limited (C.N.G. Unit) started its operation
Aftab Automobiles Ltd. started producing batteries
Navana Furniture was launched
Navana Textile was formed and started operation
Navana Distributions Ltd. started its operations
Navana Limited (C.N.G. Unit) started operating individually as Navana C.N.G. Ltd.
Navana Petroleum Limited started its operations
Navana Logistic Ltd. was formed and started its operations
Battery manufacturing unit of Aftab Automobiles Ltd. started operating as Navana
Batteries Ltd.
Navana Power started its operations
AVR, IPS & UPS production unit got separated from Navana Computers & Technologies
and emerged as named Electronics Ltd
Navana Foods Limited started its operation

So from the evolution history of Navana Group we can see that, formed in 1964, this group came
as an individual entity at 1996. It started its business with automobiles, but at the same year
started the real estate and construction concern and also another separate trading unit and I.T
unit. The I.T unit gave birth to an electronics unit, which got its own entity later on. Similarly,
one of the automobile units, Aftab Automobiles Limited gave birth to several units like battery,
paint and C.N.G. conversions units, where all of them got successful and emerged as individual
companies in next few years. But the Navana Group did not depend on the subsidiaries only to
build new businesses. The group diversified itself and created new wings like furniture, textile
and logistic units to expand its business.

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Degree of diversification
It can be clearly see that Navana Group has a diverse portfolio of products and services which is
distributed among various sectors of Bangladesh. This diversity unquestionably justifies this
groups position as a conglomerate. Below is the list of products and services that Navana Group
offers to various customers through various concerns, classified according to sectors:
1. Construction and Real Estate sector:
Navana Group has two concerns which deal with the real estate and construction sectors of
Bangladesh. Both of the companies are one of the market leaders in their own field. These
groups are:
A) Navana Real Estate Ltd.: The products and services offered by this company are residential,
commercial and as well as land development projects in around Dhaka.
B) Navana Construction Ltd.: This company deals with the construction work which included
road ways, embankments, high-rise and low-rise buildings, commercial blocks, industrial civil
engineering works, service and utility buildings for airport, railways, universities and power
plant civil works.
2. R.M.G. sector:
Navana Group is yet to diversify inside this sector. In the R.M.G. side, they have only one
company which is:
Navana Textiles Ltd: This company is currently exporting pullovers, cardigans, vests, tops,
mufflers, scarf made with 100% Acrylic, Wool, Cotton as well as many types of composite &
fancy yarns.
3. Transport and Automobile sector:
In this sector, Navana group has its most significant portfolio which consists of a massive variety
of products and services. Aftab Automobiles Ltd. also exists in this sector which has diversified
again in some different sectors making the portfolio of Navana Group even bulkier. The concerns
in this sector are:
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A) Aftab Automobiles Ltd: This company is specialized in assembling Land Cruiser Jeeps and
Hino buses and trucks. They are also producing Hino bus bodies in Bangladesh.
B) Navana Limited: It is the oldest and flagship company of Navana Group. Its main business is
selling Toyota and Hino vehicles for personal and industrial use, selling genuine spare parts and
providing customer all types of car maintenance and repair services though its automobile
workshop.
C) Navana C.N.G. Limited: It is another concern of Navana Group which has already gained
valuable trust from the customers for providing superior and reliable services to the customers.
The major services offered by this company are: Petrol/ Octane/Diesel driven vehicle conversion
to CNG, 3-Wheeler conversion to CNG., LPG conversion, selling gas through CNG refueling
stations, selling CNG refueling station on turn key basis, selling of CNG conversion kit and
cylinder, package maintenance program for CNG refueling stations, CNG cylinder re-testing
facility at own cylinder testing station and providing training on CNG conversion and refueling
station.
D) Navana Taxi Cab Co. Ltd: This company provides cab rental services.
4. Power sector:
Although the investment in this sector by Navana Group is relatively new compared with other
sectors, but again in this sector they have a good number of companies which helps to diversify
the portfolio of the group. The companies under this sector are:
A) Navana Batteries Ltd.: They are producing and selling automotive batteries for all types of
automotive application. They have a projection to export batteries abroad.
B) Navana Power: They sell power generation equipments. Inside this division, they have 3
different companies which are:
i) Navana Electronics Ltd.: They produce and sell A.V.R., U.P.S., I.P.S, I.V.S and Sub-station in
Bangladesh.
ii) Navana Power Generation Limited: They import and sell high quality generator for home and
industrial use.
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iii) Navana Renewable Energy Limited: They sell complete solution for generating renewable
energy like solar power for home and industrial use.
5. Marketing and Distribution sector:
In this sector, Navana Group has different companies for serving various types of products and
services to both of retail and corporate customer. The companies under this sector are:
A) Navana Logistics Ltd.: They provide logistics and freight management solutions.
B) Navana Interlinks Ltd.: It is the project marketing company of Navana group. They
trade and market various products for power & tele-communication, Civil Aviation, consumer
products, security equipments, industrial chemicals, machineries, petroleum products and agro
products.
C) Biponon Limited: They sell medical and scientific equipments to various clients.
D) Navana Distributions Ltd.: They are producing and marketing FMCG like flour, suzi, salt,
rice, chanachur, mastered oil and so on.
E) Navana Petroleum Limited.: They import and distribute different types of Caltex brand
products in Bangladesh.
Other sectors:
With the above mentioned sectors, there are some other sectors inside which, Navana Group has
not diversified to a large extent. The companies which operate alone in a sector are:
A) Navana Paints: The business of this company is decorative and industrial paint
manufacturing, marketing and selling.
B) Navana Furniture Ltd.: They produce and sell home and office furniture for local market.
C) Navana Foods Ltd.: They provide food and hospitality services though an international
franchise.

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Future projection for International Business:

From studying the evolution and diversification of Navana Group, we can see that although this
conglomerate currently does some international trading, but they are currently not involved in
any international business. Most of their businesses are in the local market of Bangladesh. Their
only exporting concerns are Navana Textiles Ltd. and Navana Batteries Ltd., who are exporting
R.M.G. goods and batteries to international market, respectively.
A large portion of their international trading consists of technology intensive products like
importing cars, power generators, solar panels, high value medical equipments etc and exporting
batteries. For their local business, they are also producing some technology intensive products
like I.P.S and U.P.S. Till now, Bangladesh is not technologically sound enough for producing
these goods efficiently. So by understanding this, in future Navana Group may start international
businesses but opening subsidiaries at places like China to produce these technology intensive
goods more efficiently.
Till now, we dont see any projection from Navana Group to start international business. By the
nature of their business, most of their services will not need international operation. But as stated
earlier, this group can be benefited largely by operating internationally for its technology
intensive products. They can operate more efficiently and can target the international market
better by an appropriate internal business strategy. This will reduce their cost and increase sales
highly.
To conclude, we can say that Navana Group has become one of the most successful business
conglomerates in Bangladesh by adapting to different business strategy according to the needs.
So as there are high chances of increasing the profitability of the group but operating
internationally, there are good chances that we will see Navana Group as one of the first business
conglomerates of Bangladesh as operating an international business.

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Conclusion:
Navana Group is one of the biggest company in real estate, constructions and automobiles sector
in Bangladesh. They started as the sole distributor of TOYOTA cars in Bangladesh and now they
are the exclusive distributors of HINO Motors. They have also expanded their business to heavy
and light industries, food, telecommunication, chemical & bulk commodities supply & indenting
and power. Navana Group has the most delicate and effective management panel. It would not be
surprising in they become the top most company in Bangladesh in next five years time.
Rahimafrooz Group is one of the leading conglomerates of the country involved in a diverse
range of business (i.e. retail and wholesale trade, power storage, power generation, solar energy,
CNG etc.). However power storage has been the key strength of the group with Rahimafrooz
Batteries leading the automotive battery market, Rahimafrooz Accumulators leading the industry
battery and Rahimafrooz Globatt playing a leading role in automotive battery exports to India,
Japan, Singapore and Middle Eastern markets.

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References:
1. www.navana.com/
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navana_Group
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aftab_Automobiles
4. http://www.navanapower.com
5. http://www.navanafurniture.com/company-profile/
6. http://www.rahimafrooz.com/Default.aspx

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