ITC Limited
Indian publicly traded multinational conglomerate with diverse operations in cigarettes, hotels, agribusiness, packaging, and personal care products.
Company Type
public
Founded
1910
Headquarters
Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Stock
NSE/BSE: ITC
About ITC Limited
ITC Limited is a publicly traded Indian multinational conglomerate headquartered in Kolkata, India. The company operates across multiple business segments including cigarettes, hotels, agribusiness, packaging, and personal care products. ITC is listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and is one of India's largest and most diversified companies.
The company operates thousands of retail outlets, manufacturing facilities, and hospitality establishments across India. ITC employs over 25,000 people across its various business segments and maintains a significant presence in rural and urban markets. The company is known for its integrated value chain approach and focus on sustainability.
ITC's business strategy emphasizes diversification, innovation, and sustainable growth. The company invests in technology, research and development, and supply chain optimization. ITC has also established itself as a leader in corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability initiatives.
History of ITC Limited
ITC Limited was founded in 1910 as the Imperial Tobacco Company of India Limited, initially established as a subsidiary of British American Tobacco. The company began operations focused on cigarette manufacturing and distribution in India. During the British colonial period, ITC established itself as a major tobacco company in India.
Following India's independence in 1947, ITC continued to operate as a major cigarette manufacturer while gradually expanding into other business segments. The company invested in diversification, recognizing the importance of reducing dependency on a single product category. ITC established hotels, entered agribusiness, and developed packaging operations.
In the 1970s and 1980s, ITC significantly expanded its diversification strategy, launching brands in personal care, food products, and other categories. The company established ITC Hotels, which became one of India's leading hotel chains. ITC also invested heavily in agribusiness, developing products like Aashirvaad flour and Sunfeast biscuits.
ITC went public on Indian stock exchanges, allowing public investors to own shares in the company. The company continued to expand its business segments, investing in technology, brand building, and market expansion. By the 21st century, ITC had transformed from a primarily tobacco-focused company into a diversified multinational conglomerate.
Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, ITC continued to invest in its non-cigarette businesses, recognizing the challenges and regulations facing the tobacco industry. The company expanded its personal care brands, agribusiness operations, and hospitality services. ITC has positioned itself as a diversified company with significant operations beyond cigarettes.
Brands Owned by ITC Limited
ITC Limited owns 0 brands in our database.
Stock Information
ITC Limited Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Publicly traded status ensures transparency and accountability
- +Highly diversified business portfolio reducing dependency on single sector
- +Strong brand presence across multiple consumer categories
- +Significant investment in technology and innovation
- +Professional management and corporate governance standards
- +Established distribution networks and retail presence
Considerations
- -Regulatory oversight from tobacco and other industry regulators
- -Exposure to tobacco industry regulations and restrictions
- -Competition from specialized companies in each business segment
- -Complexity of managing diverse business operations
- -Potential regulatory changes affecting tobacco operations
- -Social and health concerns related to tobacco products
Frequently Asked Questions About ITC Limited
Is ITC publicly traded?
Yes, ITC Limited is publicly traded on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) under the ticker symbol ITC.
When was ITC founded?
ITC Limited was founded in 1910 as the Imperial Tobacco Company of India Limited, originally as a subsidiary of British American Tobacco.
Where is ITC headquartered?
ITC is headquartered in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with operations and offices across the country.
What business segments does ITC operate in?
ITC operates across cigarettes, hotels, agribusiness, packaging, and personal care products, making it one of India's most diversified companies.
What are ITC's major brands?
ITC's major brands include Aashirvaad (flour), Sunfeast (biscuits), ITC Hotels, Vivel (personal care), Engage (personal care), and various cigarette brands.
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