From Local to Global: Businesses That Successfully Expanded Internationally in 2025

In 2025, several companies have made impressive strides in expanding their operations internationally, successfully entering new markets by overcoming various challenges and leveraging strategic opportunities.

One standout example is VinFast, the Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer, which has opened a $500 million factory in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, as part of a broader $2 billion investment plan targeting India and other parts of Asia.

This new plant is designed to produce 50,000 vehicles annually initially, with the capacity to increase to 150,000, and will create over 3,000 jobs. Its location near a major port is strategic, facilitating exports to South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

VinFast is shifting focus away from Western markets where competition is fierce and is tailoring models specifically for the Indian market, such as the VF7 SUV.

By establishing a strong local presence, including 32 dealerships and partnerships for servicing and charging infrastructure, the company is positioning itself to compete with established local automakers in one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing EV markets.

Meanwhile, Unilever’s wellness division has emerged as a key growth driver, posting steady increases in revenue through a focus on hydration powders, supplements, and hair health products. The division includes brands such as Liquid IV, Olly, and Nutrafol, which benefit from targeted product development based on consumer preferences and scientific research.

Unilever has invested heavily in research and development, with nearly €1 billion spent in 2024 alone, supporting clinical trials and product innovation that differentiate its offerings in a crowded wellness market.

While the company has faced challenges in adapting flavors and product formulations for markets like India and Mexico, its commitment to science-backed wellness products and expansion into emerging health categories like women’s health and cognitive support underscores a long-term vision for growth that extends beyond traditional retail models.

China’s BYD Auto is another major player accelerating its international expansion, having phased out purely internal combustion engine vehicles to focus exclusively on new energy vehicles.

BYD has leveraged its vertically integrated structure—manufacturing batteries, electric motors, and electronic controls—to gain a competitive edge. The company’s battery subsidiary, FinDreams Battery, is now the world’s second-largest EV battery producer.

In 2025, BYD achieved a significant milestone by outselling Tesla in Europe, reflecting its growing global presence. BYD’s success is rooted in strong domestic demand combined with strategic entry into diverse international markets including Europe, Southeast Asia, Oceania, and the Americas.

Pharmaceutical giant GSK has also strengthened its foothold in China through a $500 million partnership with local company Hengrui Pharma. This collaboration focuses on co-developing up to a dozen new medicines across areas such as respiratory diseases, immunology, inflammation, and oncology.

One notable asset is an exclusive global license for a potential treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a deal that could be worth up to $12 billion when considering milestone payments and royalties.

This partnership not only deepens GSK’s ties to one of the world’s largest healthcare markets but also enhances its innovation pipeline by tapping into China’s expanding pharmaceutical expertise.

Other businesses are following similar paths of global growth. For example, travel company We Love Holidays is expanding into the Netherlands as part of its broader European strategy, while Franklin & Sons, through a partnership with Empire Distributors, is extending the reach of its premium tonics and mixers into multiple U.S. states including Tennessee and Georgia.

TentBox embarked on a 2,000-kilometer tour across Europe to build partnerships in France, Switzerland, and Italy, showcasing a hands-on approach to market entry.

Additionally, Ravio accelerated its international footprint by acquiring Compete, Israel’s leading compensation data provider, enabling growth in Israel and Australia. Meanwhile, legal technology firm Definely secured $30 million in Series B funding to rapidly advance product development and global expansion plans.

These examples illustrate how companies today are successfully scaling beyond their home markets by making significant investments, forming local partnerships, and adapting to the specific demands of new regions. Their stories provide valuable lessons in navigating the complexities of global business and highlight the importance of flexibility, innovation, and cultural understanding in achieving international success.