The acquisition of Kelvinator by Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (RRVL), a division of Reliance Industries, represents a calculated move into India’s growing consumer durables market. Reliance Retail’s unparalleled distribution power and Kelvinator’s legacy are intended to be combined in this purchase.
Known throughout the world for being the first to use electric refrigeration and in India for its iconic reputation since the 1970s, Kelvinator contributes more than a century of innovation to the ecosystem of Reliance Retail.
Reliance’s objective of increasing the accessibility of cutting-edge home appliances for Indian households is in line with the brand’s reputation for dependability, performance, and affordability. Through this acquisition, Reliance may capitalise on Kelvinator’s strong customer base and expand its product line in the high-end appliance sector.
The Acquisition Marks a Strategic Move by RRVL
By fusing local size with global innovation, Reliance Retail seeks to democratise access to aspirational products. In India’s changing home appliance market, the combination of Reliance’s retail strength and Kelvinator’s heritage is anticipated to increase category presence and provide value for customers.
According to RRVL Executive Director Isha M. Ambani, the acquisition strengthens the business’ objective to provide solutions that are ready for the future, backed by its extensive service and distribution network. With 19,340 locations and partnerships with more than 3 million merchants, RRVL runs a strong omnichannel platform.
With an FY25 EBITDA of INR 25,053 crore and a consolidated turnover of INR 3,30,870 crore, RRVL is further solidifying its leadership in a variety of retail verticals. It is anticipated that the inclusion of Kelvinator will further quicken RRVL’s pace in the rapidly expanding durables industry.
With this acquisition, Reliance will be directly competing with domestic giant Voltas, which dominates the air conditioning sector, and international brands like Samsung and LG, which now hold sizable market shares in appliances.
In response to growing consumer demand in the industry, Reliance and Kelvinator have both laid forth plans to invest in capacity expansion, product development, and broader distribution.
India’s Consumer Durable Market Growing Strongly
The market for electronics and consumer durables in India is growing quickly. Industry projections indicate that the Indian Appliances and Consumer Electronics (ACE) market would almost double in size by 2025, reaching a value of about INR 1.48 lakh crore (US$17.93 billion).
The refrigerator market in India is anticipated to increase from INR 46,732 crore in 2024 to INR 104,713 crore by 2033, while the air conditioner market is anticipated to develop at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.8% to reach US$9.8 billion by FY26.
According to ICRA statistics, the room air conditioner market is predicted to expand by 20–25% annually in FY25, reaching 12–12.5 million units, thanks to favourable market circumstances and growing demand.
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