Former Indian national cricket team captain Sachin Tendulkar associates as a shareholder with XRS International as the business gears up for global growth
July 2024 – A newly formed Portsmouth- and London-based business has received backing from former Indian cricket captain Sachin Tendulkar. The ex-international cricketer turned entrepreneur joins XRS International (Xpress Refinishing Solutions), a distributor of sustainable solutions for the global automotive repair market.
XRS International, founded in 2023, is a joint venture between S1 International, a London-based advisory firm that facilitates UK-Indian trade; DCR Holdings, a holding company for a number of vehicle repair solutions; and SRT Sports and Holdings LLP, a holding company for Sachin Tendulkar.
The business is currently eyeing significant growth in the US, with the global automotive repair and maintenance services market projected to reach $1,850 billion by 2033*.
Having retired in 2013, Tendulkar is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in cricket’s history. Joining founders Sushant Karangutkar, Shil Patel and Steve Barrett, Tendulkar will now operate as an equal shareholder.
XRS International specialises in technology that supports rapid, more environmentally friendly alloy wheel repairs. Its patented flagship range, DCR Systems, is already in place in car dealerships, vehicle repair, and mechanic businesses across the UK, Europe, and Australia. XRS International is now gearing up for exports into US markets.
As part of the joint venture, XRS International has also formally agreed to acquire DCR Systems Limited, the system manufacturer.
DCR Systems was recently approved for distribution for Ford Rotunda, the tool and equipment arm of Ford Motor Company.
Tendulkar commented on the new venture: “I have always been interested in automobiles, and anything related to the automotive industry excites me. It’s one of the reasons I’m so excited to be on board with XRS International. Having had the opportunity to visit its plant and facilities last year, it’s clear this is a venture with significant growth potential.”
Shil Patel and Sushant Karangutkar, XRS International co-founders, added: “XRS International is all about bringing British-made automotive innovations to the global stage. In a market that’s crying out for sustainable solutions, we’re now poised on the cusp of impressive growth, particularly within the US and Europe. It’s a hugely exciting time for us, especially with Sachin now in the business. Alongside his formidable cricket career, he’s someone with real automotive knowledge and expertise, and this guidance will be fundamental to driving our growth forward in the years to come.”
Steve Barrett, XRS International co-founder, commented: “The opportunity for DCR to become part of XRS enables us to combine our respective skills, knowledge and manufacturing capability to identify and launch into new markets. There’s a platform for us to become the global standard of alloy wheel refurbishing, and together with Shil, Sushant and Sachin, we have the foundations in place to make this a reality.”
Leading law firm Hill Dickinson advised XRS International on the joint venture structure, with accountancy and tax support from Blick Rothenburg.
Sandip Khroud, partner and head of Hill Dickinson’s corporate team in Leeds, shared: “It’s been a pleasure to advise on the setting up of XRS International. Between them, the four founders have successful track records in innovation, manufacture and distribution, including trade in India. It’s an excellent platform from which to pool their expertise and develop links to exciting new markets, such as the US.”
*Figures taken from: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/automotive-repair-and-maintenance-services-market-102017
About XRS International
XRS International is a Portsmouth- and London-based distributor of sustainable solutions for the global automotive repairs market. Founded in 2023, the organisation was formed through a joint venture between S1 International Limited, a London-based global trading and advisory firm that specialises in India, primarily in automotive, real estate and sports; DCR (Diamond Cut Refinishing Holdings Limited), a holding company for a number of vehicle repair solutions; and SRT Sports and Holdings LLP, a holding company for Sachin Tendulkar.
You can see more on the story and DCR Systems website here CLICK HERE
DCR Systems Made In Britain machines include the DCR Pro alloy wheel lathe designed for workshop and mobile solution for alloy wheel repair. Also as of July 2024 the new PaintMatic semi automatic alloy wheel paint machine.
Find out more about DCR Systems Limited on their member profile page here
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