Lakson Group is one of the largest and most diversified conglomerates in Pakistan. Founded in 1954 by Iqbal Ali Lakhani, the group has since expanded its reach across various industries, including media, technology, healthcare, financial services, and consumer goods. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the Lakson Group, its history, operations, and the impact it has on the Pakistani economy.
History and Overview of Lakson Group
The Lakson Group began as a small trading business in Karachi, Pakistan, in 1954. It was founded by Iqbal Ali Lakhani, who was just 20 years old at the time. The group’s initial focus was on trading and distribution of consumer goods, including cigarettes, tea, and soap. However, over the years, the group expanded into various other sectors, including healthcare, financial services, technology, and media.
Today, the Lakson Group is one of the largest conglomerates in Pakistan. It employs over 16,000 people across its various companies and has a significant presence in several key industries in the country. The group’s businesses are spread across several subsidiaries, including Lakson Investments, Colgate-Palmolive Pakistan Limited, Express Media Group, and Cybernet.
Key Business Segments of Lakson Group
Media
The media arm of the Lakson Group is known as the Express Media Group. It is one of the largest media groups in Pakistan and owns several television channels, newspapers, and online news platforms. The group’s flagship television channel, Express News, is a leading news channel in the country, known for its high-quality journalism and impartial reporting.
Technology
The technology arm of the Lakson Group is known as Cybernet. It is one of the leading providers of internet and networking services in Pakistan. The company offers a wide range of services, including broadband internet, virtual private networks, and cloud computing. Cybernet is known for its focus on innovation and its commitment to providing the latest technology to its customers.
Healthcare
The healthcare arm of the Lakson Group is known as Lakson Healthcare. It is one of the leading providers of healthcare services in Pakistan. The company operates several hospitals and clinics across the country and offers a wide range of medical services, including diagnostic imaging, laboratory testing, and specialized surgeries.
Financial Services
The financial services arm of the Lakson Group is known as Lakson Investments. It is one of the leading investment companies in Pakistan and offers a wide range of financial services, including asset management, mutual funds, and private equity. Lakson Investments is known for its expertise in the financial markets and its commitment to delivering superior returns to its investors.
Consumer Goods
The consumer goods arm of the Lakson Group is known as Colgate-Palmolive Pakistan Limited. It is one of the leading manufacturers of consumer goods in Pakistan and offers a wide range of products, including toothpaste, soap, and personal care products. The company is known for its focus on quality and its commitment to providing affordable products to its customers.
Impact on the Pakistani Economy
The Lakson Group has had a significant impact on the Pakistani economy over the years. The group’s businesses employ over 16,000 people, making it one of the largest employers in the country. Moreover, the group’s businesses contribute significantly to the country’s GDP and have played a vital role in the development of several key industries in the country.
The Lakson Group’s media arm, the Express Media Group, has played a crucial role in promoting free and fair journalism in Pakistan. The group’s flagship television channel, Express News, has been at the forefront of reporting on key issues in the country and has helped shape the public discourse in Pakistan. Moreover, the Lakson Group’s technology arm, Cybernet, has helped drive innovation in the country’s technology sector and has played a crucial role in expanding internet access across the country.
The Lakson Group’s commitment to providing high-quality products and services has helped raise the bar for businesses across the country. The group’s consumer goods arm, Colgate-Palmolive Pakistan Limited, is known for its focus on quality and affordability, and its products are widely used by consumers across the country.
The technology companies under the Lakson Group:
- Cybernet: A leading provider of internet and data communication network services in Pakistan, offering specialized solutions for enterprises.
- RapidCompute: A cloud solution provider that offers high-performing, flexible, and robust virtual machines for easy management.
- StormFiber: A reliable fiber-to-the-home internet and television service provider, powered by Cybernet and aimed at raising the bar for home-based services.
- Sybrid (Private) Limited: An integrated technology solutions company that provides business solutions to organizations globally.
- Lakson Business Solutions Limited: A promising IT solution provider in Pakistan that emphasizes customer needs and provides solutions designed for future enhancements.
- Ice Animations: One of the first 3D animation houses in Pakistan with advanced IT infrastructure and a decorated portfolio comprising Hollywood feature films, international TV commercials, and animated TV shows.
Media houses by Lakson Group
Lakson Group owns several media houses in Pakistan under the Express Media Group brand. Express News is a leading Urdu language news channel that covers current affairs and news from Pakistan and around the world. Express Entertainment is a Pakistani entertainment television channel that features dramas, soaps, and lifestyle programs.
The Daily Express is Pakistan’s most widely circulated Urdu-language newspaper, published by Century Publications and simultaneously printed and distributed from over 10 cities in Pakistan. The Express Tribune, on the other hand, is a major daily English-language newspaper based in Pakistan and the country’s only affiliated international newspaper, in partnership with The New York Times.
FSI (Financial Services and Investments)
FSI (Financial Services and Investments) is the investment arm of Lakson Group, which provides financial solutions to individuals, corporations, and institutions. FSI focuses on offering a wide range of financial services including private equity, asset management, and corporate finance advisory services.
Century Insurance Company Limited Century Insurance Company Limited is a leading general insurance company in Pakistan, providing comprehensive insurance coverage to its clients. The company focuses on building strong relationships with its clients and re-insurers and aims to provide top-notch services to its customers.
Lakson Investments Limited Lakson Investments Limited is the largest independent asset management company in Pakistan, managing over $300 million in assets. The company offers a range of investment products including fixed income, public equity, tactical asset allocation, private equity, and venture capital funds. LI is committed to providing its clients with innovative and effective investment solutions.
Paper and Packaging by Lakson Group
Century Paper and Board Mills is a leading producer of high-quality packaging boards in Pakistan. The company started commercial production in 1990 and has established itself as a market leader in the printing and packaging industry. It is known for its commitment to quality and is the preferred supplier for many printing and packaging businesses in the country.
Merit Packaging Limited is another well-known name in the printing and packaging industry of Pakistan. With over three decades of experience, the company offers a range of offset and flexible packaging solutions to its customers. It also specializes in providing point-of-sale (POS) materials and has a dedicated team of skilled employees to ensure the highest level of quality in all its products.
FMCG by Lakson Group
Colgate-Palmolive Company Pakistan Colgate-Palmolive (Pakistan) Limited is a company that manufactures and sells detergents, personal care products, and other related items. Their main product categories include Personal Care, Home Care, and Others.
Ajinomoto Lakson Pakistan Pvt. Ltd Ajinomoto Lakson Pakistan (Private) Limited is a joint venture between Ajinomoto Co. Inc. Japan and Lakson Group, Pakistan’s leading business group. The company produces a range of products including seasonings, cooking oils, TV dinners, sweeteners, amino acids, and pharmaceuticals.
Food by Lakson Group
McDonald’s Pakistan McDonald’s is a global fast-food chain, and McDonald’s Pakistan is a subsidiary of the international franchise. It has 78 restaurants in major cities of Pakistan, serving millions of customers daily with high-quality food, quick service, and value for money.
Anchor Commodities Anchor Commodities is a food company in Pakistan that specializes in producing high-quality bread products. The company understands the importance of nutrition and taste and is committed to meeting consumer needs through advanced irrigation systems and innovative processes.
Travel by Lakson Group
Princeton Travels (Pvt) Limited Princeton Travels (Pvt) Limited & Tours is an IATA-accredited travel agency and active member of international travel forums like ASTA, PATA, UFTAA, and TAAP. It was incorporated in 1992 and offers a range of travel and tourism services to individuals and corporate clients.
Medical Equipment by Lakson Group
Accuray Surgicals Limited is a company under Lakson Group that manufactures high-quality medical instruments for export markets worldwide. Its prime markets include the US, UK, Germany, Japan, France, Italy, Denmark, and Australia.
