A joint venture company is a business entity formed by two or more independent parties to jointly own, manage, and operate a specific project or ongoing business while sharing capital, risk, and profits. Joint venture company examples worldwide and in Indonesia demonstrate how foreign and local partners combine complementary strengths, such as technology, capital, regulatory access, and distribution networks, to accelerate market entry and scale operations. Global joint ventures like Toyota–Astra Motor, Tata Starbucks, and Sony Ericsson, alongside Indonesian joint ventures such as PT Toyota-Astra Motor, Hyundai LG Indonesia Green Power, and Nestlé Indofood, show how this structure succeeds across automotive, FMCG, technology, and energy sectors.
These examples highlight why joint ventures remain a preferred model for expansion in regulated, capital-intensive, and high-growth markets.
Successful Joint Venture Examples Worldwide
Several global brands demonstrate how joint ventures unlock scale and speed.
Toyota–Astra Motor (Automotive Distribution Model)
This joint venture reflects a globally proven structure where a foreign principal focuses on product and technology, while a strong local partner manages distribution, regulatory engagement, and consumer access. Toyota contributes manufacturing excellence and brand equity, while Astra International controls Indonesia’s extensive dealership and after-sales network. This model has been replicated in multiple markets worldwide for capital-intensive consumer goods.
Tata Starbucks (Retail and F&B Market Entry)
Starbucks entered India through a joint venture with Tata Consumer Products to overcome complex retail regulations and real estate barriers. Tata provides trusted local sourcing, supply chains, and prime locations, while Starbucks delivers brand strength and operational standards. This partnership demonstrates how joint ventures accelerate market entry in highly regulated consumer sectors.
Sony Ericsson (Technology and Telecommunications)
Sony Ericsson combined Sony’s consumer electronics expertise with Ericsson’s telecommunications infrastructure capabilities. The venture successfully captured early smartphone demand before eventually dissolving. This case shows that a joint venture can be strategically successful even if it is not permanent, provided roles and exit mechanisms are clearly defined.
Lynk & Co (Automotive Manufacturing and Market Access)
Formed by Volvo Cars and Geely Auto, Lynk & Co illustrates how joint ventures enable technology transfer and manufacturing scale. Volvo contributes safety engineering and design, while Geely provides cost-efficient production and access to the Chinese market. This partnership highlights how joint ventures support cross-border industrial expansion.
Caradigm (Healthcare Technology Integration)
Backed by Microsoft and General Electric, Caradigm was established to merge data intelligence with healthcare hardware. The venture focused on improving hospital efficiency by integrating software analytics with medical equipment. This example underscores how joint ventures are often used to bridge expertise across different industries.
Also read: International Joint Venture: Definition and Benefit for Business
Joint Venture Company Examples in Indonesia
Indonesia offers some of Southeast Asia’s most compelling joint venture success stories.
PT Toyota-Astra Motor (Automotive Industry)
One of Indonesia’s most enduring joint ventures, PT Toyota-Astra Motor showcases the effectiveness of a long-term foreign-local partnership. Toyota supplies vehicles, manufacturing systems, and global standards, while Astra International manages operations, distribution, labor, and government relations. This joint venture is often referenced as a benchmark for foreign investors entering Indonesia.
PT Hyundai LG Indonesia Green Power (EV Battery Manufacturing)
This joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution represents Indonesia’s push toward EV downstreaming. Hyundai secures battery supply for its electric vehicles, while LG benefits from proximity to Indonesia’s nickel resources. The project demonstrates how joint ventures support industrial policy alignment and supply chain security.
Electrum (PT Energi Kreasi Bersama) (Electric Mobility Ecosystem)
Electrum is a domestic joint venture between GoTo Group and TBS Energi Utama. GoTo provides built-in demand through its ride-hailing ecosystem, while TBS contributes energy and capital expertise. This partnership shows how joint ventures in Indonesia are not limited to foreign players but operate with global-scale ambition.
BDx Indonesia (Data Centers and Digital Infrastructure)
Formed by Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, BDx Data Centers, and Lintasarta, this joint venture enables rapid expansion of data center capacity. The foreign operator gains immediate infrastructure access, while the local telecom partner monetizes existing assets. This structure reduces capital risk and speeds up deployment in a fast-growing digital economy.
PT Nestlé Indofood Citarasa Indonesia (FMCG and Food Manufacturing)
This joint venture combines Nestlé’s global R&D, product development, and quality standards with Indofood’s extensive distribution network across Indonesia. The partnership enables deep penetration into traditional retail channels such as warungs and minimarkets, which are difficult for foreign companies to access independently.
PT Unilever Oleochemical Indonesia (Supply Chain Cooperation)
A collaboration between Unilever and Wings Group, this joint venture focuses on oleochemical processing derived from palm oil. Despite competing in the FMCG market, both parties cooperate at the supply chain level to secure raw materials efficiently. This case highlights how joint ventures can support cost optimization through cooperative competition.
Also read: 5 Advantages of Joint Ventures for Businesses
Why Joint Ventures Work So Well in Indonesia
From our perspective, joint ventures in Indonesia succeed when they are built for strategic value, not just regulatory necessity. The right local partner brings licenses, land access, distribution, or operational know-how. The foreign partner brings capital, technology, and global standards. When these roles are clear, joint ventures become growth engines rather than compromise structures.
Also read: Does a Joint Venture in Indonesia Have to Be a PT?
Structuring Your Joint Venture the Right Way
Most joint ventures for foreign investors are established as PT PMA, even when a local partner is involved. Ownership ratios, shareholder agreements, IP protection, and exit mechanisms must be carefully designed from the start. This is where many investors struggle when they do not yet have legal business legitimacy in Indonesia.
How We Help You Move Forward
When you are inspired by successful joint venture company examples but unsure how to start, we step in as your legal and business setup partner. Through InvestinAsia’s Indonesia Company Registration Service, we help you establish the right company structure.
Our experts can guide you throughout the process of:
- Foreign company / PMA registration in Indonesia
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FAQs
What is a joint venture company?
A joint venture company is a separate legal entity formed by two or more parties to achieve shared business objectives while sharing risks and resources.
Are joint ventures mandatory for foreign investors in Indonesia?
Not always. Many sectors now allow full foreign ownership, but joint ventures remain valuable for market access and operational efficiency.
What is the most common joint venture structure in Indonesia?
Most foreign-local joint ventures use a PT PMA structure with clear shareholder agreements.
Can a joint venture be dissolved later?
Yes. Many successful joint ventures are designed with exit mechanisms once objectives are achieved.
