TRANMERE Rovers have paid tribute to the chairman of the club's shirt sponsors Essar following his death aged 81. 

Indian billionaire Shri Shashikant Ruia, who passed away on Monday, November 25, founded Essar in 1969 alongside his brother Ravi. 

The brothers grew the company into multinational conglomerate and a leading player in the sectors of steel, oil and gas, power, communications, shipping, ports and logistics, projects and minerals. With operations in more than 20 countries across five continents, the group employs 75,000 people, with revenues of US$17 billion.

In 2012, Forbes named the Ruia brothers as the world's richest Indians with a net worth of US$7 billion.

Having acquired the Stanlow refinery from Shell in 2011, Essar began sponsoring Tranmere's shirt in the 2019-20 season. 

Tranmere Rovers chairman Mark Palios said: “On behalf of Tranmere Rovers, I would like to express my sadness at the passing of Shri Shashikant Ruia.

“His unwavering commitment to community was at the heart of our partnership with Essar and we are privileged to have worked with him.

“Our thoughts are with the Ruia family.”

A spokesperson for Essar said: "It is with profound grief that we inform of the passing of Shri Shashikant Ruia, Patriarch of the Ruia and Essar Family. He was 81.

"With an unwavering commitment to community upliftment and philanthropy, he touched millions of lives leaving an enduring impact. His humility, warmth, and ability to connect with everyone he met, made him a truly exceptional leader.

"An iconic industrialist, Shri Shashikant Ruia, Chairman, Essar Group, played a significant role in redefining India’s corporate landscape. He laid the foundation of the Essar Group and made it a global conglomerate.

"Shri. Shashikant Ruia’s extraordinary legacy will remain a guiding light for all of us, as we honour his vision and continue to uphold the values, he cherished and championed."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute to the industrialist.

Posting on X, Mr Modi, said: “Shashikant Ruia Ji was a colossal figure in the world of industry. His visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence transformed the business landscape of India.

"He also set high benchmarks for innovation and growth. He was always full of ideas, always discussing how we can make our country better. Shashi Ji’s demise is deeply saddening. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones in this hour of grief. Om Shanti.”