Sundaram Finance (SFL) was promoted by Madras Motor Insurance Company, a part of the reputed TVS Group. The Company was formally created and deployed as a legal entity in 1954. It became a public limited company in 1961 and went public in 1972. The main business of the company includes hire purchase and lease financing of commercial vehicles, cars and machinery. It also undertakes short-term activities such as bill discounting and commercial mortgage lending.

SFL achieved its leadership position by a unique combination of traditional conservatism and judicious dynamism. Faith, Depositor Confidence, Institutional Trust, Investor Steadfastness & Employee loyalty are the five pillars to support the strong edifice of the company. It set industry standards by computerising and networking all its offices through a variety of communication media including VSAT installations. These ensure efficient and smooth functioning of all its systems and procedures resulting in better customer service. The company allotted bonus shares in the ratio of 1:1 in Nov. 1995.

The subsidiaries of the company are Sundaram Home Finance Ltd, Sundaram Asset Management Company Ltd, Royal Sundaram Alliance Insurance Company Ltd, Sundaram Finance Distribution Ltd, LGF Services Pvt Ltd and Sundaram Finance Trustee Company Ltd.

As part of diversification and to provided more financial service to the customers, the company broadened its footprint operations into in to various collaboration and joint ventures. It formed an asset management company called Sundaram Newton Asset Management Company Pvt. Ltd. in collaboration with Newton Management, UK. In housing loan sector it promoted Sundaram Home Finance Limited with equity participation from International Finance Corporation (IFC), Washington, and FMO (Netherlands Development Finance Company).

During 1999-2000, India Equipment Leasing (IEL), Aparajita Finance Company (APC), Balika Finance Company (BFC) & Paramjyothi Finance Company (PFC) were amalgamated with the company. The company paid a total consideration of Rs 20.10 crore for the acquisition of shares of the amalgamating companies.

During 2000-2001, Sundaram Finance Services (SFSL) was amalgamated with the company. Subsequently Sundaram Finance Securities (SFSec.) became a wholly-owned subsidiary of your company. Further during the year it promoted Fiat Sundaram Auto Finance Limited, a joint venture with Fidis S.p.A., Italy for financing Fiat cars. Also with the opening up of the insurance sector the company along with Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance plc formed a joint venture company named Royal Sundaram Alliance Insurance Company (RSAIC) for non-life insurance business. It commenced its operation in March 2001 and offers full range of insurance products including fire, motor, personal accident, home, health, travel and rural insurance.

The Company has merged Lakshmi General Finance Ltd (LGF) with itself with effect from 1st April 2004. According to the scheme of merger the company has issued 3775965 equity shares of Rs.10/- each to the shareholders of LGF in the ratio of 1:1.52. Consequent to this merger the company's paid up capital increased to Rs.27.78 crores.