CEAT Ltd., one of the leading tyre manufacturers of India and an RPG Group company, today announced that it is acquiring the “CEAT” Brand from Pirelli & C. SpA for 9 million Euro (Rs 55 crore).

CEAT Ltd. is currently the owner of the CEAT brand in 9 South Asian countries:  India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Afghanistan and Vietnam. Pirelli is the owner of the CEAT Trademark in the rest of the world.

This acquisition will enable the company to export radial and cross-ply tyres to the whole world, under the CEAT brand name.  CEAT currently exports its tyres to Europe and South America in the “Altura” brand.  It will now be able to export in the CEAT brand, which is well established in these regions. It will also allow the company to outsource tyres from any country under the CEAT brand.

Post acquisition, all rights, title and interest in the CEAT brand will pass on to CEAT Ltd. in the territories  where  Pirelli previously owned registrations for the CEAT  brand  and for  brand registration classes therein identified .   However, Pirelli will continue to hold exclusive license to use the brand CEAT in relation to both radial tyres in Europe, Latin America, Turkey and Mexico and cross-ply tyres in Latin America, Turkey and Mexico till December 31, 2011. The deal also includes a non-exclusive license to Pirelli to use the brand CEAT in relation to  both  radial and cross-ply tyres  worldwide  till December 31, 2012, excluding the nine countries where CEAT Ltd  currently  owns the brand completely. After December 31, 2012 CEAT Ltd. will be the exclusive owner of the CEAT brand in company business related territories all over the World. 

About CEAT Ltd:

CEAT Ltd., the flagship company of RPG Enterprises, was established in 1958. Today, CEAT is one of India’s leading tyre manufacturers and has a strong presence in both domestic & international markets. The company manufactures over 10 million tyres every year and enjoys a major market share in the light truck & truck tyre market. CEAT tyres, tubes and flaps are renowned for their superior quality and durability. CEAT offers the widest range of tyres to all user segments and manufacture world-class radials for all Indian vehicles including: Heavy-duty Trucks and Buses, Light Commercial Vehicles, Earthmovers, Forklifts, Tractors, Trailers, Cars, Motorcycles and Scooters, Auto-rickshaws.

About RPG Enterprises
RPG Enterprises is one of India’s leading business groups with a turnover of Rs.17,000 crore (USD 3.7 bn). RPG Enterprises has a presence in sectors including infrastructure, power, tyres, retail, information technology, carbon black, speciality and entertainment.