BACKGROUNDER

Wadhawan Group set out on its journey with a vision of fulfilling the most fundamental of human needs-shelter. Over the last 27 years, the group has gained a reputation for trust and reliability in the construction and financial services sectors.

Today, the group has strong presence in Housing Finance, Retail, Food & Beverages, Lifestyle, Hospitality, Education and Real Estate. The group employs 4000 people across various businesses spread across multiple locations in India, UAE and UK. The group prides itself on its youthful management team and has set aggressive goals for expansion in India and abroad. The group vision is to be a globally respected institution from India.

Dewan Housing Finance Corporation Limited (DHFL), the second oldest housing finance institution in India is the flagship company of Wadhawan Group. With a network of 426 offices in India and 2 overseas representative offices in Dubai, UAE and London, UK DHFL is among the most respected and trusted financial institution in India. As on 31st March 2011, the asset base of DHFL stood at INR 18, 721 crore as on September 30, 2011 with a nationwide customer base.

Beginning 2005, the group ventured into other consumer businesses with the aim of bringing world class service levels to Indian households across 6 key sectors. The Group operates the following brands in the country.

• Sabka Bazaar
• Smart Retail
• Sangam Direct

The group simultaneously ventured into Food & Beverages with Dish Hospitality with its first fine dine restaurant in Juhu, Mumbai under the brand name Aurus. Within no time Aurus was rated as one of the best fine dine restaurants in India. In order to cater to its long term plans, Dish Hospitality set up a state of art central food processing facility called Dish Central in Mumbai with ultra-modern equipments and a highly trained staff. Dish Hospitality today owns or operates the following restaurants and food outlets in India with plans for several more outlets in the coming year.

• Aurus-in Mumbai
• Sancho’s- a restaurant serving Tex-Mex cuisine
• The Tasty Tangles-a restaurant serving  South East Asian cuisine
• Cinnabon-an international chain of bakery serving the world famous cinnamon rolls
• Nashta Chai-a quick service street food outlet

In keeping with its promise to bring in quality international brands to Indian consumers, Wadhawan Lifestyle Retail, the lifestyle division of the group, has entered into collaboration with Ed Hardy,Christian Audigier and spanish brand Adolfo Dominguez for introducing their exclusive range of garments and accessories to the discerning Indian consumer. Wadhawan Lifestyle has outlets in Mumbai, Delhi and Punjab with a loyal customer base among the youthful segment of the population.

The real estate business of the group has taken rapid strides in residential, commercial and SEZ sectors. Under the umbrella name Dheeraj Realty, the company has begun construction of 2 new residential projects in the suburbs of Mumbai. Wadhawan Global Hotels & Resorts, the hotel and resorts venture, has already tied-up with international hotel chains for launching upmarket business hotels in India.