The passing of Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, a revered spiritual leader and visionary philanthropist, has drawn global attention to the remarkable legacy he leaves behind.
Over the course of his life, Aga Khan IV built an extensive portfolio of businesses and properties that spanned continents, blending his commitment to economic development.
From his ownership of the prestigious Serena Hotels chain, which operates luxury properties across Africa and Asia, to his influence in the equestrian world through elite horse-breeding farms, Aga Khan IV’s ventures reflected a unique balance of commerce and cultural preservation.
In this article, WoK delves into the diverse array of businesses and properties owned by Aga Khan IV, shedding light on how these enterprises contributed to his personal legacy.
Racing horse businesses in France
Aga Khan IV was a towering figure in the horse racing and breeding industry, particularly in France.
After inheriting the title in 1957, he took control of the family’s bloodstock interests and transformed them into one of the most successful and respected operations in the world.
Under his leadership, the Aga Khan Studs became a hallmark of excellence in thoroughbred racing and breeding.
The Aga Khan’s racing and breeding business was primarily based at Aiglemont, a sprawling estate near Chantilly, France.
This location served as the headquarters for one of the largest and most sophisticated horse breeding operations in the country.
Gilltown Stud
Gilltown Stud, located in Ireland, is a prominent breeding establishment owned by the Aga Khan Studs.
It spans approximately 1,250 acres and is home to notable stallions such as Born To Sea, Sea The Stars, and Harzand.
The stud features modern facilities, including a newly constructed stallion barn and renovated covering barn, while maintaining its historical significance as part of Ireland’s heritage.
The estate is characterized by its Georgian architecture, with Gilltown House overlooking a picturesque 16-acre lake and surrounded by a beautiful oak avenue.
Additionally, it has pre-training facilities for yearlings, preparing them for their future training in Ireland or France.
The Haras d’Ouilly
The Haras d’Ouilly is a prestigious horse breeding farm located in Pont-d’Ouilly, Calvados, France, spanning approximately 520 acres.
Established in the 19th century, it has a rich history of breeding thoroughbred racehorses.
The property was initially acquired in 1895 by Prince Pierre d’Arenberg, who laid the foundations for its breeding operations.
Over the years, it changed hands several times, becoming a prominent establishment under François Dupré and later Jean-Luc Lagardère before being purchased by Aga Khan IV in 2005.
Aga Khan IV’s involvement included acquiring top broodmares and stallions, contributing to a legacy of excellence in horse racing and breeding.
The Haras de Val-Henry
Among Aga Khan IV’s notable enterprises was the Haras de Val-Henry, a thoroughbred breeding farm located in France.
This farm was part of his broader equestrian operations, which included several prestigious breeding and racing establishments across Europe.
The Aga Khan acquired Haras de Val-Henry in 2005, further expanding his influence in the world of horse racing and breeding.
Over the years, his horses achieved significant victories in prestigious races such as the Prix de Diane and the Epsom Derby, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential figures in global horse racing.
Arqana
Arqana is a prominent European auction house specializing in thoroughbred horse auctions, particularly known for the Ventes de Deauville, which is one of the largest yearling auctions globally, held annually in August in Deauville, France.
The company was founded in 2006 through a merger of two auction houses and is majority-owned by Aga Khan IV, who was recognized as France’s leading thoroughbred owner-breeder.
The Aga Khan IV involvement with Arqana was part of a broader strategy that includes breeding and racing high-quality thoroughbreds, contributing significantly to his wealth.
Nation Media Group
Nation Media Group (NMG), founded by Aga Khan IV in 1959, is the largest independent media house in East and Central Africa.
Initially established as East African Newspapers (Nation Series) Ltd, its primary goal was to provide an independent voice during Kenya’s pre-independence era.
Over the decades, NMG has grown into a regional media powerhouse and is publicly traded on the Nairobi Stock Exchange.
It operates a diverse range of media platforms, including newspapers, television channels, and radio stations, serving audiences across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda.
The company is best known for its flagship publications such as the Daily Nation, Sunday Nation, The EastAfrican, Business Daily Africa, and Taifa Leo.
In addition to print media, it has a strong presence in broadcasting through television stations like NTV Kenya, QTV, NTV Uganda and Spark TV.
AKFED
The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED) is a significant institution within the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), an organization founded by Aga Khan IV to promote development and improve quality of life in some of the world’s most underserved regions.
AKFED was established in 1967 with a focus on fostering sustainable economic growth, particularly in Asia and Africa, where many Ismaili Muslim communities reside.
Its work spans several critical sectors, including financial services, infrastructure development, tourism, and agriculture.
By addressing these areas, AKFED helps create jobs, support local economies, and improve access to essential services.
Under the leadership of Aga Khan IV, AKFED became a unique entity that combined philanthropy with entrepreneurship.
Serena Hotels
Aga Khan IV, through AKFED, holds a significant ownership stake in Serena Hotels, a prominent hotel chain operating primarily in East Africa and South Asia.
AKFED owns approximately 45% of TPS Eastern Africa Plc, the company that operates Serena Hotels, and was set to increase its stake to 64.36% following a recent share acquisition.
Serena Hotels encompasses a diverse portfolio of 35 properties, including luxury hotels, resorts, and safari lodges located in countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Pakistan.
The brand is known for its commitment to quality and sustainability, often engaging with local communities to enhance their economic development through various initiatives.
