Reliance Retail acquires Kelvinator, The Coolest One

Reliance Retail has officially announced its acquisition of the consumer durables brand Kelvinator from the Electrolux Group for approximately SEK 180 million, equivalent to nearly ₹160 crore. This strategic move aims to enhance Reliance Retail's presence in India’s rapidly growing premium home appliances sector.

The Kelvinator brand, known for its wide range of domestic appliances including refrigerators, air conditioners, air coolers, and washing machines, was previously operated by Reliance Retail under a licensing agreement with Electrolux Home Products Inc.

Isha M Ambani, Executive Director of Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd, remarked, "The acquisition of Kelvinator marks a pivotal moment, enabling us to significantly broaden our offering of trusted global innovations to Indian consumers. This is powerfully supported by our unmatched scale, comprehensive service capabilities, and market-leading distribution network."

The financial details of the acquisition were not fully disclosed by Reliance Retail. However, Electrolux Group reported in its interim Q2 2025 results that the divestiture of the Kelvinator trademark portfolio in India contributed positively to its operating income by SEK 180 million, while the parent company’s net sales reached SEK 31,276 million during that quarter.

In light of this acquisition, Reliance Retail aims to amplify its leadership in the Indian consumer durables sector, which is projected by a joint report from Ernst & Young (EY) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) to be the fastest-growing major market for consumer electronics globally. The report forecasts that India will become the fourth-largest market in this sector by 2027, with an anticipated market size of ₹3 lakh crore by the fiscal year 2029.

According to Crisil Ratings, the total estimated market size for consumer durables, which includes televisions, refrigerators, air conditioners, and washing machines, is expected to reach approximately ₹1.17 lakh crore in the fiscal year 2025, with a projected volume of 47 million units sold.

Reliance Retail stated that by merging Kelvinator’s extensive history of innovation with its expansive retail framework, the company is well-positioned to enhance consumer value and fuel growth in the premium home appliance market across India. This collaboration is expected to ensure that high-quality, globally-rated products are available to Indian households, thereby improving their daily lifestyles.

Founded over a century ago, Kelvinator has been a pioneer in electric refrigeration globally. In India, it gained iconic status during the 1970s and 1980s with its memorable slogan, 'The Coolest One.' The brand is celebrated for its advanced technology, superior performance, and long-lasting quality.

By integrating Kelvinator into its extensive ecosystem, Reliance Retail aims to accelerate category growth, deepen consumer engagement, and unlock substantial long-term opportunities within the dynamic Indian consumer durables market.

In previous instances, Reliance Retail has successfully reintroduced legacy brands, such as Campa Cola, showcasing its adeptness in the consumer sector. The acquisition of the original American brand Kelvinator, which has changed ownership several times before being acquired by Sweden's Electrolux, marks another significant milestone for the company.