Reliance...

On Friday, while Jinu and I were playing pool, the conversation drifted to statements made by Reliance chairman Mukesh Ambani, that there were differences between him and his brother, Anil. Jinu commented on how sad it was that the two brothers were fighting with each other over the control of the company, while I dismissed it as a minor power struggle and the soon, things will sort themselves out. But now it seems that the matter is more serious than I anticipated it to be. Already, their mother is jumping into the foray, trying to setle things, and also, it seems, the Ambani sisters were in town too. This leads me to wonder - did the Ambani boys have sisters??!!??
But coming back ot the issue, it seems that the matter is not going away so easily. Anile will makea statement about it in the next 48 hours. It seems that Dhirubhai did not leave a will, but he did divide the work among the brothers neatly. While Mukesh managed the companies, Anil managed the finances. Anil is also looking after the upcoming reliance projects like the setting up what is being touted as the world's largest gas-based power project in Uttar Pradesh. So the work is more or less evenly divided between the brothers. In such a scenario, the need for a will is not really that necessary.
On my part, I have a feeling that the media is really playing up the story. Yes, Mukesh is right, that this is a matter of the public domain, and should not in anyway affect the company, given that the brothers have their works cut out for them. But the media always loves a good story.
The markets, too have been too jittery in my opinion, towards the whole saga. What difference will a difference of opinion cause to the markets? You have to give it to the brothers, that whatever their differences, they are thorough professionals. They would never do anything that would in anyway harm the company. After all, they are Gujjus!!
The differences, in my opinion, should be viewed in a constructive manner, and not in a destructive manner. These differences will guide the company in a newer direction. And given the brothers' professionalism, you can bet that that they will choose the right direction, come what may. The Reliance Empire is moving away from Dhirubhai Era to a Mukesh-Anil Era. Heres to a great Era.
The king is dead, long live the Kings!