Background Descriptions for Companies featured in the book
2. Aramex
3. Arcelik
4. Asian Paints
5. Asia Pacific Breweries
6. Bajaj Auto
7. Chigo Group
8. Dabur
9. Evyap
10. Godrej
12. Haier
13. HTC
14. Indian Hotels Company
15. Infosys Limited
16. LG Electronics
17. Lenovo
18. Mahindra & Mahindra
19. Marico
20. Mavi
22. Mitac
23. Grupo Modelo
24. Mobile TeleSystems OJSC
25. Natura Cosméticos S.A.
26. Pollo Campero
27. Ranbaxy Laboratories
28. Savola Foods
29. Tata Motors
30. Tata Global Beverages
32. Titan Industries
33. Ulker
34. Vitra
35. Wipro
Apollo Tyres (India)
Interview with Avik Chattopadhyay, Head of Corporate Marketing
Apollo tyres, the world’s 15th biggest tyre manufacturer and headquartered in Gurgaon, India, is listed on Mumbai Stock Exchange. 34.7% of Apollo tyres is owned by Mr. Onkar Singh Kanwar , who is also the chairman of the company. In 2010, its annual revenues were $1.99B out of which 41% comprised of sales outside of India (13% in Africa and 28% from Europe). It acquired 100% equity stake in Dunlop Tyres International of South Africa in 2006, and in Vredestein Banden B.V., Netherlands in 2009. Outside of India, it sells tyres under the brand of Dunlop in Europe, USA, Australia and South Africa and Apollo in rest of Africa and South America (exports from India). Dunlop is its largest selling brand in international markets garnering $0.2B in revenues. Apollo has its manufacturing facilities in Kundli, Perambara, Pune and Kalamassery in India and Durban and Limda in South Africa and two in Zimbabwe.
Aramex (Jordan)
Interview with Fadi Ghandour—Founder and CEO
Aramex, established in 1982 by Fadi Ghandour and William (Bill) Kingson as an express operator, is a global provider of logistics and transportation solutions today and is headquartered in Amman, Jordan. In 1997 it was the first company from the Arab world to ever go public on Nasdaq. In 2002 it was taken private. In June 2005 Aramex went public on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) as Arab International Logistics (Aramex) with its shares traded under ARMX. Aramex began operations as an express wholesaler to North American express delivery companies such as FedEx, Purolator, Burlington Northern, Emery, and Airborne Express with DHL as its main competitor in the region. In 1990, Aramex co-founded the Overseas Express Carriers (OEC) network, along with Airborne Express, an alliance of independent global express companies that functioned as a worldwide delivery network for its members to compete with larger companies. In 1997, Aramex was listed on the NASDAQ and was the first international company in the region to do so. In 2002, as Aramex was celebrating its 20th anniversary, it was approached by Abraaj Capital and consequently Aramex decided to delist from the NASDAQ. The Company moved to private ownership after being acquired in a leveraged management buyout by Aramex CEO and Co-Founder Fadi Ghandour. In 2003, DHL acquired Airborne Express, Aramex’s main United States partner. This resulted in Airborne Express exiting the Airborne Alliance. In the same year, Aramex took over the alliance and co-founded the Global Distribution Alliance (GDA), a global alliance of 40 express companies with combined revenues of $7.5 billion. Aramex is chairing the alliance which uses a shipment management system developed by the company. As part of its expansion plans, Aramex concluded a series of acquisitions, including Priority Airfreight, InfoFort, Freight Professionals and TwoWay-Vanguard.
The company offers its services mainly through five businesses: express mail, including international and domestic; freight includes land freight, air freight, and ocean freight; logistics includes warehousing, chain management, and consulting; shopping services offers shopping online from the United States, the United Kingdom, and China, and shop the world facility; and records management offers physical records management, electronic records management, media vaulting and rotation, information technology (IT) escrow services, cheques management services, secure shredding, and consultancy. Aramex employs more than 9000 people in over 310 locations around the globe. Aramex has a strong alliance network providing it worldwide presence across 240 countries.
Arcelik (Turkey)
Interview with Hasan Subaşı – Member of Board of Directors
Arcelik is headquartered in Istanbul, Turkey, listed on the Istanbul Stock Exchange, and 56.3% owned by Koc Group, 22.4% Burla Group, 21.3% free float. Its 2008 revenues were $5.21 billion. 50% of these come from group sales outside Turkey (27.7% in Western Europe, 12.9% in CIS and Eastern Europe, 5.5% in Middle East and Africa, and 3.5% in other regions). Its product line compromises 62% white goods, 21% electronics and 17% others (i.e. furniture). It owns 83% of the equity of Grundig (acquired in 2008, brand name acquired in 2004), Changzhou Casa-Shinco (acquired in 2007, subsequently renamed as Beko Electrical Appliances Co.), Blomberg, Elektra Bregenz, Leisure, Flavel, and Arctic (these were purchased in 2002).
It sells overseas under these brand-names: Beko (in Western and Eastern European, the CIS, Middle East-Africa, and Asian-Pacific regions), Grundig (mainly in Europe, started penetrating markets in Africa, the Middle East, and the CIS), Altus (in Austria), Blomberg (originally in Germany, now sold in 50 countries ranging from the US to China, Denmark to Israel, and launching in Morocco and Iran), Elektra Bregenz (in Austria), Arctic (in Romania), Leisure and Flavel (in the UK), and Arstil (in Azerbaijan). Out of total consolidated revenue from international sales, about 80% come from branded sales. In 2007, the company acquired 100% shares in Changzhou Casa-Shinco Electrical Appliances Co., Ltd, and began its production in China. The company’s manufacturing facilities for its overseas sales are located in Turkey, Romania, Russia, and China.
Asian Paints (India)
Interview with Tom Thomas, General Manager International Business
Asian Paints, founded in 1942 by four friends, Champaklal H. Choksi, Chimanlal N. Choksi, Suryakant C. Dani and Arvind R. Vakil, is is India’s largest paint company and ranked amongst the top ten decorative coatings companies in the world, with a turnover of Rs 77.06 billion (around USD 1.5 billion) in 2010-11 financial year. Asian Paints operates in 17 countries and has 24 paint manufacturing facilities in the world, servicing consumers in over 65 countries. Besides Asian Paints, the group operates around the world through its subsidiaries Berger International Limited (acquired in 2002), Apco Coatings, SCIB Paints (acquired in 2003) and Taubmans (acquired in 2003); these also serve as the portfolio of corporate brands for the firm. Asian Paints manufactures a wide range of paints for Decorative and Industrial use. Vertical integration has seen it diversify into products such as Phthalic Anhydride and Pentaerythritol, which are used in the paint manufacturing process. Asian Paints along with PPG Inc, USA, one of the largest automotive coatings manufacturers in the world, has begun a 50:50 joint venture, Asian PPG Industries to service the increasing requirements of the Indian automotive coatings market. Asian Paints operates in five regions across the world viz. South Asia (Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka), South East Asia (China, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand), South Pacific (Australia, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Samoa Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu), Middle East (Bahrain, Egypt, Oman and United Arab Emirates), and region Caribbean (Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago) through the five corporate brands viz. Asian Paints, Berger International, SCIB Paints, Apco Coatings and Taubmans. In ten markets, it operates through its subsidiary, Berger International Limited; in Egypt through SCIB Paints; in five markets in the South Pacific it operates through Apco Coatings and in Fiji and Samoa it also operates through Taubmans.
Asia Pacific Breweries (Singapore)
Interview with Edmond Neo, Director Group Commercial
Asia Pacific Breweries began as a joint venture between the Fraser and Neave Group of companies and Heineken of Holland in 1931, and was originally know as Malayan Breweries Limited (MBL). It went on to open its first brewery in Singapore and launched the award-winning Tiger Beer a year later. To accurately reflect the growing regionalisation of its business, MBL was renamed Asia Pacific Breweries Limited (APB) in 1990. Listed on the Singapore Exchange, APB is one of the key players in the beer industry with reported revenues of US$ 2.5bn in FY 2010. In 2011, APB was named a Forbes Asia’s Fab 50 that lists the 50 most profitable listed companies with large market capitalization from the region. Today, the brewery network of the company spans 14 countries in the Asia Pacific region. It oversees a portfolio of over 40 beer brands and brand variants, including Tiger Beer, Anchor and ABC Stout amongst others. APB is synonymous with award-winning Tiger Beer which is served in 60 countries worldwide. The Group also represents leading international beer brand, Heineken in nine markets in the Asia Pacific region. Catering to the likes of each market where it operates, APB serves local favorites such as Tui, Gold Export and Monteith’s in New Zealand; SP Lager and Niugini Ice Beer in Papua New Guinea; Cheers in Thailand; Gold Crown in Cambodia; Bintang in Indonesia, Number One in New Caledonia and Larue in Vietnam amongst others.
Bajaj Auto (India)
Interview with Rakesh Sharma, CEO International Business
Bajaj Auto is a manufacturer and marketer of a range of two and three wheeled vehicles, and is headquartered in Pune, in India. The company’s sales in Indiastarted in 1948 by importing two and three wheelers. It is the 5th largest two-wheeler maker in the world today. The company also trades auto spare parts and is a subsidiary of the Bajaj Group. The company has distribution network in 50 countries and presence in India, Sri Lanka, Colombia, Bangladesh, Mexico, Central America, Peru, and Egypt. The company’s sales in India started in 1948 by importing two and three wheelers. The company introduced a three-wheeler goods carrier in 1971 and its first two-wheeler the Bajaj Chetak, in 1972. Today, it is the 5th largest two-wheeler maker in the world. The company has a distribution network in 50 countries around the world, including Asia, Africa, and Latin America. In the fiscal year ended March 2011 it recorded revenues of Rs.169.32 billion (approximately $3.75 billion), an increase of 57% over 2010. The operating profit of the company was Rs. 32.6 billion (approximately $724.4 million) during fiscal year 2011, an increase of 133% over 2010. Bajaj Auto has a technical tie-up with Kawasaki Heavy Industries of Japan to produce a range of the state-of-art two-wheelers in India. The company also has a partnership agreement with the Japanese organization Kubota, since 1995, to develop diesel engines.
Chigo Group (China)
Interview with Peter Liao, General Manager of Overseas Marketing Division
Chigo group, founded in 1994, is headquartered in the Foshan city of China. It is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. 67.02% of the company is owned by Chigo Group Holding Limited. In 2009 it had revenues of 879.34 M USD out of which 85% came from residential air conditioners, 7% from commercial air conditioning products, 6.7% from air conditioner parts and components, and 4.5% from other misc products. 61.9% of its sales comes from PRC (China), 17.1% from rest of Asia, 11.3% from Americas, 5.4% Africa and 3.8% from rest of the world. It sells products under Chigo brand, Hyundai brand in China, and under the Chigo brand (and as an OEM overseas). It has manufacturing units in Guangdong, Wuhu, Anhui and Jiujiang, Jiangxi province of PRC. It entered into a partnership with Hyundai in 2002.
Dabur (India)
Interview with Sunil Duggal, Managing Director
Dabur, founded in 1884, is headquartered in New Delhi, India. Dabur India Ltd is listed on the Mumbai Stock Exchange. 79% of the company is owned by the Burman Family. In the 2008-09 fiscal year, its revenues were $615.6 M out of which 6.5% were from export sales. It entered into a joint venture with Agrolimen of Spain in 1992, with Israeli companies Osem and Bongrain in 1995 for food and dairy products and with a number of local South African companies for manufacturing and distribution of Dabur products in Africa in 1998. To expand globally, Dabur also formed its subsidiaries in Egypt, owning 100% stake in Dabur Egypt; 100% stake in Asian Consumer Care Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd in Pakistan and 38.41% stake in Weikfield International operating in UAE and 76% stake in ACI Ltd Bangladesh in 2008. Dabur also tied up Forum I Aviation in 2008. It also announced the acquisition of 92.15% stake in FEM Care Pharma ltd of USA in Jun 2009. In addition to India, FEM enjoys an international presence in overseas markets such as Yemen, Maldives, Mauritius, Malaysia, UAE, Oman, etc. The group companies presently have manufacturing facilities in eight countries, namely India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Dubai, Sarjah, Ras-Al-Khaima, Egypt & Nigeria.
Evyap (Turkey)
Interviews with Mehmed Evyap – CEO and & Board Member, Serdar Sarıgül – General Manager International Sales, and
Mustafa Arın – Board Member Responsible for Marketing & R&D
Evyap is headquartered in Istanbul and owned by Evyap family. With reported revenues of $600 million, the company is among the top 100 industrial companies of Turkey. The company claims to carry out 70% of Turkey’s soap exportation. Its product line compromises soap, personal care, hygienic products, and detergents. Evyap has a wide product range in the following categories with its major brands such as; Duru, Arko, Evy, Gibbs, Fax, Activex and Sanino.
The company exports to more than 100 countries a broad range of products from shower gels to shaving products, from creams to detergents and tooth pastes. The main markets outside Turkey are CIS – Eastern Europe (led by Russia and Ukraine) and Middle East – Africa (led by Egypt and Iraq). As of 2010, 60% of Evyap’s sales come from international markets.
It owns Evyap International, the foreign trade subsidiary of Evyap. Evyap that bought the man care brand, Gibbs, from Unilever in 2005. Aside from its two facilities in Turkey, Evyap has a factory in Egypt. 45% of the Egyptian facility’s sales go to Egyptian market, while the rest is exported from Egypt to more than 30 countries in Middle Eastern and African markets. The firm has around $90 million turnover in the former Soviet territories (as of 2010). Its soaps are the market leaders in Russia, Ukraine, Romania, Poland and Kazakhstan. Duru and Arko are the two known brands in Russia and Ukraine.
Godrej (India)
Interview with–Hoshedar K. Press, Vice Chairman
Godrej India, headquartered in Mumbai, India is listed on the Mumbai Stock Exchange. The Godrej Group was established in 1897 by Ardeshir Godrej and was incorporated with limited liability on March 3, 1932. The Godrej Group’s turnover crossed Rs 117 billion (US$2.6 billion) in 2010. The group owns several businesses. Beginning with security equipment and soaps, the group diversified into a wide variety of consumer goods and services, all constructed on the strength of the Godrej brand. The business we focus on, Godrej Consumer Products is 13.7% of group revenues and has a portfolio of brands in soaps, toiletries, hair care, household care, and fabric care. The Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GPCL) had revenues of approximately Rs 36.4 billion (US$ 809 million) in the 2010-11 fiscal year, a growth of 168% from the previous year. GPCL has a portfolio of brands in soaps, toiletries, hair care, household care, and fabric care and has a strong emerging presence in markets outside India. With the acquisition of Keyline Brands in the United Kingdom, Rapidol and Kinky Group, South Africa and Godrej Global Mideast FZE, GPCL owns international brands and trademarks in Europe, Australia, Canada, Africa, and the Middle East. To increase its global footprint further GPCL has recently acquired Tura, a medicated brand in West Africa, Megasari Group, a household care company in Indonesia, and Issue Group and Argencos, two hair colorant companies in Argentina.
To increase its global footprint further GPCL has recently acquired Tura, a medicated brand in West Africa, Megasari Group, a household care company in Indonesia, and Issue Group and Argencos, two hair colorant companies in Argentina. Godrej sells its line of Skin and Haircare products under the “Keyline” brand in UK (acquired in 2005) and Rapidol/Kinky in South Africa (2008). It maintains the brand identities of the acquired brands in these company’s portfolios and is growing by supporting these brands in their markets to grow market share. It recently upped its stake in SCA Hygiene Products AB (UK) in 2009 to 100%. Its Aircare product “Ambi Pure” & “Brylcreem”, Household hygiene products “Good Knight, Hit, Jet” are also distributed internationally by Sara Lee, although the joint venture between Sara Lee and Godrej was recently dissolved on July 28th, 2009.
Grupo Britt N.V.
Interview with Pablo Vargas, CEO
Grupo Britt, originally known as Café Britt, was founded by Steve Aronson in 1985 in San Juan, Costa Rica. The company started with the mission of roasting beans from the country’s best coffee farms to offer gourmet coffee to the growing tourist segment in Costa Rica, and to Costa Ricans wanting to taste their finest beans that were entirely for export before. By 1992, the company dominated the premium coffee market in Costa Rica with a market share of over 60%, forcing it to look outside. In 1994, it entered the US, using a mail-order model. In 2001 it started expanding in to Latin America, as a result of its negative experience in trying to retail coffee in the US, starting in 1996. Today, Grupo Britt is present in Antigua, Barbuda, Curaçao, Chile, Dominican Republic, Peru, St. Thomas, and Mexico, in addition to the US, selling coffee, chocolates, and other local products, branded under the Britt name and extensively through a chain of 92 Britt branded airport stores. In 2010, Grupo Britt had revenues of US$ 70.7 million, a growth of 16% over 2009.
Haier (China)
Interview with Michael Jemal, CEO of Haier America
Haier Group, established in March 1980, is headquartered in Qingdao, China. It is a private company with its US subsidiary based in New York, USA. In 2009, the company had revenues of $13.7B. Haier key product portfolio include “white goods” like Refrigerators/freezers, Air-conditioners, Microwave ovens, Washing machines, Dishwashers, Televisions, Mobile phones, Computers, DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) players, water heaters, sold under the Haier brand in over 100 countries. In 1996, Haier formed a joint venture with Sapporo, an Indonesian company. In June 1997, it entered into a joint venture with LKG Electric company of the Philippines. In 2000, Haier acquired Meneghetti Equipment, an Italian refrigerator plant, and entered into joint venture with HBL, Bangladesh for products to be exported into India and Bangladesh. In Jan 2002, it entered into an alliance with Sanyo Electric Co (of Japan) and Sampo Corporation (of Taiwan). Haier started its distribution in America via a joint venture with Welbilt Appliances in 1994. It has its manufacturing plants in Qingdao, China, Thailand, USA, Italy, Pakistan, Jordan and Nigeria. Haier sold 12 million refrigerators worldwide last year, up 20% over the previous year. Its market share reached 6.3% globally in 2009.
HTC (Taiwan)
Interview with John Wang, Chief Marketing Officer
HTC, headquartered in Taoyuan, Taiwan, is listed on Taiwan Stock Exchange. In 2010, HTC’s revenues were $9.57 billion out of which 49.91% comprised of sales in North America, 31.52% from Europe, 13.83% from Asia and 4.74% from other continents. It sells phones under HTC brand all over the world as well as under the brand of service providers like Verizon, T Mobile, Sprint, AT&T in USA and Orange in Europe, Dopod in Asia & Australia/New Zealand with 71% of revenues coming from company’s own brand and 29% from ODM sales. In 2004 HTC merged with IA Style, in 2006, acquired majority stake in Dopod Corporation, acquired 10% stake in Hua Chuang Automobile Information Technical Center in 2007; in Oct 2008, 100% equity stake of One & Company Design Inc and in July 2009 acquired 4.37% of stake in Melodis Corporation. HTC has operations in Taipei, Taiwan and Kangqiao Industrial Zone near Shanghai, China. In April 2011, HTC’s market value surpassed that of Nokia to become the third largest smart phone maker in the world, only behind Apple and Samsung.
Indian Hotels Company (Taj Group) Limited (India)
Interview with Ajoy Misra, SVP – Sales & Marketing
Indian Hotels Company limited, headquartered in Mumbai, India is listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange, and the National Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange. 29.18% of the company is owned by Tata Sons. In 2008, its revenues were $565.5M out of which 26% were from sales outside of India. It acquired 93% stake in St. James Court Hotels of UK, 11.5% stake in Orient Express Hotels (based in Bermuda) and 100% stake in Rebak Island Resort of Malaysia. It acquired Ritz Carlton Hotel in Boston, Campton Palace in San Francisco and Asia Pacific Hotels limited in 2007. IHCL has hotels under the brand Taj Luxury in Sri Lanka, US, Zambia, Australia and Bhutan, Taj Exotica in Sri Lanka, Maldives and Maurituis, St James Crowne Hotel in UK. In addition, IHCL has plans laid out to build new hotels in South Africa, in collaboration with Tata Group, South Africa and Taj International South Africa, Palm Islands in UAE, and in Phuket, Thailand.
Infosys Limited (India)
Interview with Srinivas Uppaluri, CMO
Infosys Limited was started in 1981 by seven people with US$ 250. . Today, it has grown to become a company with a market capitalization of over US$ 30 billion in 2011; it went public in 1992 and listed on the NASDAQ in 1999. It is a global technology services company headquartered in Bangalore (Bengaluru), India and is the second largest IT company in India with 133,560 employees (including subsidiaries) as of March 2011. It has offices in 33 countries and development centers in India, China, Australia, UK, Canada, Brazil, and Japan. The company offers software products for the banking industry and business process management services. It also provides end-to-end business solutions. Infosys defines, designs and delivers technology-enabled business solutions to Global 2000 companies. It provides a complete range of services by leveraging its domain and business expertise and strategic alliances with leading technology providers. Infosys’ service offerings span business and technology consulting, application services, systems integration, product engineering, custom software development, maintenance, re-engineering, independent testing and validation services, IT infrastructure services and business process outsourcing. Infosys pioneered the Global Delivery Model (GDM), which emerged as a disruptive force in the industry leading to the rise of offshore outsourcing. The GDM is based on the principle of taking work to the location where the best talent is available, where it makes the best economic sense, with the least amount of acceptable risk. Infosys takes pride in building strategic long-term client relationships. Over 95% of its revenues come from existing customers.
LG Electronics (South Korea)
Interviews with Michael Ahn, President and CEO North America, Mr. Ma, Vice President, Mobile Communications, Ms. Eunju Park, General Manager, Strategic Brand Management Group, Digital Appliances; Mr. Shin B Moon, CEO India, and others.
The LG Group traces its origins to 1947, when founder In Hwoi,Koo established the Lak Hui Chemical Industrial Corp. Initially, it produced household items such as toothpaste, combs and soaps. LG Electronics traces its routes to 1958, when Goldstar was established, and the company expanded into more complex industries, producing Korea’s first radio and first refrigerator. LG Electronics Limited came in to being and launched the LG brand globally in 1995, after deciding to phase out the Goldstar brand. Today, LG Electronics is the world’s second-largest manufacturer of television sets and third-largest producer of mobile phones. In 2010, LG Electronics had revenues of US$ 48.2 billion. The company comprises of four business units: mobile communications, digital appliance, home entertainment, and air conditioning & energy solution. It has 98 subsidiaries, 27 liaison offices, 48 R&D centers, and 6 design centers around the world.
Lenovo (China)
Interviews with Deepak Advani, ex-Chief Marketing Officer, and Reid Walker, VP Global Communications and Sponsorships
Lenovo, founded in 1984 as Legend Group, is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The brand name was changed from Legend to Lenovo in 2003, for the purpose of internationalization. In 2011, its revenues are $21.59B, out of which 43% were from greater China region, 25% from Americas, 21% from Europe, Middle East & Africa and 11% from Asia Pacific. 58% of its sales were from its Notebook division, 40% from Desktop and 2% from other products. It sells notebooks under the ThinkPad and IdeaPad brands, desktop under ThinkCentre M series, Lenovo 3000 J series, monitors under ThinkVision series and Workstations under ThinkServer brands. Legend Holding Limited owns 45% of outstanding shares, TPG Advisors 35.43%, 10.27% byT3 Advisors, 24.01% by General Atlantic Partners and 14.28% by NewBridge Asia LLC. In 2005, it acquired IBM’s PC business, in 2007 acquired minority stake in Packard Bell NEC Europe, in 2008, computing operations assets division from Sanmina SCI Corp (SS), in 2009 Switchbox Labs Inc, and in 2010 Lenovo Mobile Comm Ltd (from earlier spinoff in 2009) and currently looking for acquisitions in mobile space. Lenovo has manufacturing facilities in Shenzhen, Xiamen, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, China and Pondicherry, India. On January 27, 2011, Lenovo formed a PC joint venture with Japanese PC maker NEC. As part of the deal, the companies said in a statement they will establish a new company called Lenovo NEC Holdings B.V., which will be registered in the Netherlands. NEC will receive US$175 million from Lenovo through the issuance of Lenovo’s shares. Lenovo, through a unit, will own a 51% stake in the joint venture, while NEC will hold a 49% stake.
Mahindra & Mahindra (India)
Interviews with Arun Nanda, Executive Director of Mahindra Group, 1992-2010 and non-executive director since then; founder, director, and chairman of Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India, Gautam Nagwekar, Chief Executive – Mahindra Division (Farm Equipment Sector); Pravin Shah,Chief Executive – International Operations (Automotive & Farm Executive); Rajesh Jejurikar, Chief Executive – Automotive Division (Automotive Sector)
Mahindra & Mahindra, headquartered in Mumbai, India, is listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange. 22.62% of Mahindra & Mahindra is owned by Mahindra Family. Founded in 1945; initially set up as Mahindra & Mohammed, but the name was changed to Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) in 1948. In fiscal 2010-11, Mahindra and Mahindra Limited (automotive and farm equipment) had revenues Rs. 234 billion (US$ 5.31 billion). Right from the start, the company has had external links. At the very beginning the company first traded steel with suppliers in Japan and the United States. Mahindra & Mahindra began by assembling complete knock down (CKD) Jeeps in 1949 under licence from Willys USA. Today, Mahindra and Mahindra as a group has revenues of US$ 6 billion. Our focus in this book is on the automotive and tractor divisions which together account for approximately half the group’s revenues. M&M is a leader in India in Utility vehicles (UVs) with a market share of 50% in UVs, SUVs with a market share of 70% and in tractors with a market share of over 30%. It is the #1 sub-100HP tractor maker in the world. M&M has a global footprint, with a presence on 5 continents and with distribution networks as well as manufacturing/assembly plants for its automotive products and farm equipment, around the world. In the Automotive Sector, Bolero and Scorpio brands are promoted in Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Congo, Madagascar, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Rwanda , Burundi, Nigeria and South Africa. Brands Mahindra Goa (Scorpio renamed), Bolero Pikup and Mahindra Pikup are promoted in Italy, France and Spain. Scorpio SUV and Pik Up range are promoted in Brazil, Chile, Peru and Egypt. A new brand, Pikup Double Cab is promoted in Paraguay. In the farming sector, the company promotes its tractors in the ‘Compact’ and ‘Utility’ segments in US. In Australia it sells primarily 2WD and 4WD models and utility tractor models. In China, it has a joint venture with Yancheng Tractor to promote the Huanghai Jinma brand. M&M has a presence in the following countries in the compact and utility segments of tractors: Africa (Major countries: Nigeria, Mali, Chaad, Gambia, Angola, Sudan, Ghana, Morocco), Latin America (Chile, Brazil), South Asian countries (Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal), Middle East (Iran, Syria etc) and East Europe (Serbia and Macedonia; FES has entered the Turkey market in 2008). Outside India, it has one tractor manufacturing plant in China, three assembly plants in the United States, and one at Brisbane, Australia. M&M sells tractors in China, the US, and Australia. It has made strategic acquisitions across the globe including Stokes Forgings (UK), Jeco Holding AG (Germany) and Schoneweiss & Co GmbH (Germany). Its global subsidiaries include Mahindra Europe Srl. based in Italy, Mahindra USA Inc. and Mahindra South Africa. M&M has entered into partnerships with international companies like Renault SA, France, and International Truck and Engine Corporation, USA, both in 2005, to make cars and trucks, respectively. The Company’s manufacturing facilities are located at Kandivali, Nashik, Igatpuri, Nagpur, Zaheerabad, Jaipur, Rudrapur, Haridwar and Pune. For the farming sector, it has three assembly plants in USA – Houston (Texas), Calhoun (Georgia) and Redbluff (California). Over the past few years, M&M has expanded into new industries and geographies. They entered into the two-wheeler segment by taking over Kinetic Motors in India. M&M also has controlling stake in REVA Electric Car Company and acquired South Korea’s SsangYong Motor Company in 2011.
Marico (India)
Interview with Vijay S. Subramaniam, CEO International Business Group
Marico is a leading Indian Group in Consumer Products & Services in the global beauty and wellness space. Marico’s products and services in hair care, skin care and healthy foods generated a turnover of Rs.26.6 billion (US$ 600 Million) during 2009-10.[xx] Marico markets well-known brands such as Parachute, Saffola, Sweekar, Hair & Care, Nihar, Shanti, Mediker, Revive, Manjal, Kaya, Sundari, Aromatic, Camelia, Fiancee and HairCode. Marico’s branded products and services are present in Bangladesh, other SAARC countries, the Middle East, Egypt, South Africa, and USA. The overseas sales franchise of Marico’s consumer products is one of the largest amongst Indian companies and is entirely in branded products and services. Marico was selected as one of the eight Indian companies in S&P’s list of Challenger Companies from various nations, compiled globally by Standard & Poor’s in June 2007.
Headquartered in Mumbai, India is listed on the Mumbai Stock Exchange (BSE). Marico markets well-known brands such as Parachute, Saffola, Sweekar, Hair & Care, Nihar, Shanti, Mediker, Revive, Manjal, Kaya, Sundari, Aromatic, Camelia, Fiancee and HairCode. Marico is present in the Skin Care Solutions segment through Kaya Skin Clinics (60 in India and The Middle East), the Sundari range of Spa skin care products (in the USA & other countries) and its soap franchise (in India and Bangladesh). Marico’s branded products are present in Bangladesh, other SAARC countries, the Middle East, Egypt, and South Africa. It acquired 100% stake in Aromatic Soaps, Bangladesh in 2005, 100% stake in Fiancee brand of Ready Group, Egypt, and entered into a strategic alliance with Cairo based Pyramid Group for HairCode brand in 2006, 100% stake in Enaleni Pharmaceuticals Consumer Division, South Africa in 2007. Marico sells Parachute brand in Singapore, Myanmar, Trinindad, Malaysia, Australia, in Bangladesh – Parachute, Camelia and Aromatic brands ; in Egypt – Financee and Haircode brands, in South Africa – Enaleni, Caivil, Black Chic, Hercules brands; in Nepal & Bhutan – parachute, Hair & Care, Saffola Sweekar, Shanti Amla, Silk & Shine brands, in US Parachute and Sundari Aurvedic brands, in MENA – Parachute and Kaya brands. Parachute is its biggest selling brand worldwide, holding 72.4% of Haircare market in Bangladesh and 23% of market in GCC. Marico’s own manufacturing facilities are located at six Indian locations. Marico’s wholly owned subsidiaries, Marico Bangladesh Limited, Egyptian American Investment and Industrial Development Corporation, Marico Egypt Industries Company (erstwhile Pyramid for Modern Industries), and Marico South Africa Pty Ltd. have their manufacturing facilities at Mouchak, near Gazipur in Bangladesh, 6th October City, Egypt, Salheya City, Egypt, Sadaat City, Egypt and Mobeni in Durban, South Africa respectively.
Mavi (Turkey)
Interview with Ersin Akarlılar – CEO
Mavi is headquartered in Istanbul and 65% owned by Blue International Holding N.V. and 35% by Turkven, a venture capital fund. Its 2008 revenues were around $150 million. 40% of these come from group sales outside Turkey, mainly from Western Europe and North America. Its product line compromises jeans and apparel. It sells overseas under the brand-name of Mavi. Mavi began its overseas sales efforts by exporting to European countries in 1994. The founder of Mavi Jeans, Sait Akarlilar, started in 1971 to work in the clothing industry with Guven Textiles Co. In 1984 he turned to jeans production and founded the company Erak. From the beginning Erak produced jeans for internationally known brands (From 1984 to 1996: Dutch (Otto, Canoe), German (Joop), French (Chevignon), and U.S. (H.I.S., Old Navy, Tommy Hilfiger, Eddie Bauer, and Esprit); after 1996, a few other German (Mustang, Street One), Italian (Rifle), and U.S. (Guess, Calvin Klein, and Lee Cooper – until the establishment of Lee Cooper’s own factory). In 1991, Erak entered into brand-name manufacturing and drew on its wide experience to produce Mavi Jeans. Erak continued to produce jeans mainly for Mavi Jeans and for other worldwide known labels like Mustang, Calvin Klein, Rifle, Guess, HIS and Street One. In 1994, when Erak reorganized Mavi Jeans as a separate firm, Mavi Jeans were exported to Romania, Switzerland, Russia, and Germany to a limited extent. In 1996, Mavi Jeans started developing distinct collections.
Mavi North America was founded in 1996 and sales to North Africa, Middle East, and Eastern Europe began in 1997. The company entered Australian and Danish markets in 2001. Mavi has presence in 50 countries with over 4.600 sales points. It owns 191 retail stores with flagships in NYC, Vancouver, Montreal, Istanbul, Berlin, and Frankfurt. Its manufacturing facilities for its overseas sales are located in Turkey.
Midea (China)
Interview with Zhang Leling, General Manager, International Marketing Group, Refrigerators
Midea Holdings, headquartered in Foshan, China is listed on Shenzhen Stock Exchange. In 2010, its sales revenues were over $17.2B, out of which 70.2% were from China and 29.8% from rest of the world. In 1998, Midea purchased Wuhu Liguang Air-conditioning Company, in 1999, Macro (Toshiba), in 2004 Qingjiang Electric Motor, Royalstar, Hualing and Chongqing GM and in 2008, it acquired 24.01% stake of Little Swan. Midea’s main products are household air conditioners, central air conditioners, refrigerators and washing machines, as well as the related parts and components, sold under Midea brand in over 60 countries. The Group has established production bases scattered in Guangzhou, Zhongshan, Wuhu, Wuhan, Huai’an, Kunming, Changsha, Hefei, Chongqing and Suzhou, etc. A new base in Pingyang,Vietnam has been put into production.
Mitac (Taiwan)
Interview with Chris Wu, Director, Global Technical Support Division
Established in 1982, Mitac’s MiTAC’s core businesses are enterprise computing products and wireless communication products such as handheld GPS devices. Mitac has two production facuilities in China and overseas assembly Centers located in the US, UK, Germany, Belgium, and Japan. In 1989 it developed the world’s fastest 80386-based computer. Overseas acquisitions and partnerships included Tyan, a US motherboard design house in 2007, Merisel Canada in 2001, and Magellan Navigation in 2008. It markets GPS devices under the Mio and Magellan brand-names.
Grupo Modelo (Mexico)
Interview with Mr. Gomez, Director, Europe, Asia and Latin America
Grupo Modelo is a Mexican brewer with 63% of the Mexican beer market, and had worldwide revenues of US$ 6.9 billion in 2010. It has a portfolio of beer brands, including its flagship brand, Corona Extra, better known as Corona. Corona is a pale lager and is one of the top-selling beers not only in Mexico, but worldwide, being available in over 170 countries. Corona is the top selling imported beer in the US, having surpassed Heineken in 1997. Grupo Britt, originally known as Café Britt, was founded by Steve Aronson in 1985 in San Juan, Costa Rica. The company started with the mission of roasting beans from the country’s best coffee farms to offer gourmet coffee to the growing tourist segment in Costa Rica, and to Costa Ricans wanting to taste their finest beans that were entirely for export before. By 1992, the company dominated the premium coffee market in Costa Rica with a market share of over 60%, forcing it to look outside. In 1994, it entered the US, using a mail-order model. In 2001 it started expanding in to Latin America, as a result of its negative experience in trying to retail coffee in the US, starting in 1996. Today, Grupo Britt is present in Antigua, Barbuda, Curaçao, Chile, Dominican Republic, Peru, St. Thomas, and Mexico, in addition to the US, selling coffee, chocolates, and other local products, branded under the Britt name and extensively through a chain of 76 Britt branded airport stores. In 2010, Grupo Britt had revenues of US$ 70.7 million, a growth of 16% over 2009.
Mobile TeleSystems OJSC (MTS), Russia
Interview with Cynthia Gordon, CMO
Mobile TeleSystems OJSC (MTS) is the largest mobile phone operator in Russia and the CIS. MTS services over 102.4 million subscribers (as of December 31, 2009). MTS provides mobile communications in Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Armenia, Belarus, and also India. MTS has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange since July 2000. , MTS’ revenues were US$11.2 billion in 2010. MTS launched its current brand (MTS) in 2006, building on the reputation as the leader and highest quality operator in the region. The strength of the brand was recognized internationally in 2008, when MTS became the first and only Russian company to enter BRANDZ™ Top 100 Most Powerful Brands, a ranking published by the Financial Times and Millward Brown.
The Company’s shares have been listed locally on Moscow Interbank Currency Exchange (MICEX) since November 2003. The free float of the Company’s shares is approximately 46.7%. MTS is 52.8% majority-owned by Sistema, the largest private sector consumer services company in Russia and the CIS. In 2007, MTS’ revenues grew 29% to $8.2 billion. According to Informa Telecoms & Media’s World Cellular Information Service, MTS ranks as the 8th largest operator in the world by proportionate subscriptions at the end of 2007. In December 2008, MTS extended its brand outside the CIS borders. MTS launched its current brand in 2006, building on the reputation as the leader and highest quality operator in the region. To facilitate growth and recognition of the brand, MTS recently adopted new Brand Standards to communicate the brand consistently in all messaging and launched a new slogan “Operator Svyazi” to reinforce its perception as a strong, trustworthy and quality-focused company.
Natura Cosméticos S.A. (Brazil)
Interview with Mauricio Bellora, COO, Natura International
Natura Cosmeticos is a100% Brazilian-owned company, founded in 1969. Natura Cosmeticos and its subsidiaries are engaged in the development, production, distribution and sale, substantially through direct sales by Natura beauty consultants, of cosmetics, fragrances, hygiene and health products. The company operates in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Colombia, Uruguay, Mexico, France, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, and USA.. The company recorded revenues of US$ 3.2 billion during the fiscal year ended December 2010, with an operating profit of US$ 482.9 million. Natura has become a formidable player in cosmetics and toiletries in Brazil, surpassing both Unilever and Avon, by dint of its strong ecologically-friendly attitude and image, considerable investment in research and development, constant innovations, and high quality products.[xxiv] Natura is strongest in fragrances and skin care, followed by deodorants and sun care. One of the most aggressive players in cosmetics and toiletries in Brazil, Natura has launched new product lines, while continuing to research and develop raw materials. Natura opened a retail store in Paris, its first foray outside Latin America, in April 2005. In 2006, Natura obtained the leading position in cosmetics and toiletries in Brazil, surpassing Unilever Brasil Ltda. Natura’s international operations accounted for almost a 4% share of its total value sales in 2006. In 2008, the company plans to begin activities in the US and Russia, and it intends to invest R$22.5 million in operations in France, Mexico, Colombia and Venezuela.
Pollo Campero
Interview with Roberto Denigiri, President of Pollo Campero USA
Pollo Campero, which means “country chicken,” was founded in Guatemala in 1971 by Mr. Juan Bautista Gutierrez, as an outlet for his poultry farms, which his family owned along with a portfolio of businesses, including flour milling and meat processing to lumber, construction, and hydroelectric power. The firm sells a unique tasting tender, juicy, and crispy fried chicken, that is hugely popular in Guatemala. The firm entered El Salvador in 1972, but really began its international journey in the 1990s when it entered Ecuador, Mexico, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In 2011, Pollo Campero has revenues of over US$ 400 million which it garners through its chain of 340 fast food restaurants spanning 13 countries across the Americas, Europe, Middle East, and Asia.
Ranbaxy Laboratories (India)
Interview with Sanjeev Dani, Sr. Vice President.
Ranbaxy Laboratories (Ranbaxy), a pharmaceutical company manufacturing pharmaceuticals and APIs (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients), was incorporated in 1961, and went public in 1973. In 1977, the company began its international journey through a joint venture in Lagos, Nigeria. The company has manufacturing operations in 9 countries with a ground presence in 49 countries and its products are available in over 125 countries. The company primarily operates in India, Europe, North Americaand Asia Pacific. Ranbaxy recorded revenues of Rs. 52.67 billion (US$ 1.37 billion) during the fiscal year ended December 2010, an increase of 12.2% over 2009. The operating profit of the company was Rs. 15.65 billion (US$ 350 million) during fiscal year 2010, an increase of 47% over 2009. Ranbaxy views its R&D capabilities as a vital component of its business strategy that will provide the company with a sustainable, long-term competitive advantage. The Company’s first significant international success using the NDDS technology platform came in September 1999, when Ranbaxy licensed its one-a-day Ciprofloxacin formulation on a worldwide basis to Bayer Healthcare. Presently, the company has 8-10 programs in the area of NDDR and NCE.
Savola Foods (Saudi Arabia)
Interview with Tarik Hadi, CMO, Savola Foods
The Savola Group became one ofSaudi Arabia’s first listed companies on its inception in 1979. It is the second largest industrial conglomerate inSaudi Arabia, next only to Sabic, with a strong presence throughout the MENA region and beyond. The group’s revenue in 2007 was 10.4 billion SAR (US$ 2.77 billion). Savola is the biggest food retail company by market value in the GCC region. Its wide repertoire of business portfolios include edible oils and fats (Savola Edible Oils), sugar (United Sugar Company), retail (Azizia Panda – the largest retail food chain in the Middle East), real estate, packaging materials (plastics), investment in dairy (Al-Marai) and fast food (Herfy). Our focus is Savola Foods which looks after the edible oils and sugar businesses. Savola has a nearly 70% market share in edible oils and in 2006 became the world’s largest producer of branded edible oils. Savola expanded its reach into Egypt in 1992 and has since expanded to cover Morocco China, Afghanistan, Sudan, Kazakhstan, Iran, and Turkey. Since then it has expanded in to Sudan and Kazakhstan in 2005-06. In the edible oils segment, Savola is looking for vertical expansion opportunities, to have better control over margins. In November 2007, Savola’s 90.70% subsidiary, Afia International Co., acquired the entire stake in Yudum, a leading Turkish edible oil firm with a 25% domestic market share in sunflower & corn oil, and operates two plants. It is heading out to countries with strong growth potential such as India, Indonesia and Pakistan, with the strategic intent of acquiring edible oil firms. In August 2007, Savola commissioned a second sugar refinery in Egypt, to meet rising domestic and regional demand. This strategic move is expected to become the white knight of the company’s activities in the medium-term as it will not only cater to Egypt, but also to the markets in Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.
Tata Motors (India)
Interview with Ravi Kant, Managing Director
Created in 1945, Tata Motors is headquartered in Mumbai, India, and is listed on Mumbai Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE). In 2011, its revenues were $27.46 B out of which 18.4% come from group sales outside India. It owns 100% of equity of Daewoo Trucks (acquired in 2004), 21% stake in Hispano Carrocera SA (acquired in 2005) and 100% equity in Jaguar Luxury performance cars and Land Rover (acquired in 2008). Tata motors also formed a 51/49 joint venture with Marcopolo (bus body building company) of Brazil. Outside of India, in passenger car category, it sells cars under Indica, Indigo, Safari, Xenon, Telcoline brands(in Turkey only) in Europe, Indica, Indigo, Safari, Sumo and Telcoline in South Asia (Nepal and Sri Lanka); Indica, Indigo, Safari, Sumo, Xenon, and Telcoline in Africa, and Xenon in Thailand. In Commercial Vehicles category, it sells brands TaTa LP, Tata LPT and Xenon in Europe, Tata LP series and Novus in Africa, Tata SFC and LPT series in South Asia and Novus in South Korea. In January 2008, Tata Motors launched Tata Nano, the least expensive production car in the world at about $3000. Tata Nano Europa was developed for sale in developed economies and hit markets in 2010 while the normal Nano hit markets in South Africa, Kenya and countries in Asia and Africa by late 2009. Tata Motors has its manufacturing base in Jamshedpur, Pantnagar, Lucknow, Ahmedabad and Pune in India as well as manufacturing facilities in Argentina, South Africa and Thailand.
Tata Global Beverages
Interview with Percy Siganporia, Managing Director
Headquartered in Kolkata, India, Tata Global Beverages, formerly Tata Tea, is listed on the Mumbai Stock Exchange. The Tata group of companies own 35.23% of shares in the company, followed by 19.98% owned by Indian Financial Institutes. The company has a portfolio of strong global and regional brands – with Tata Tea andTetleythe key drivers of its global presence.
Tata Global Beverages is today an integrated beverage business, the second largest player in tea (with 3.4 per cent market share*) and number six player in the total hot drinks market sector (with 1.6 market share*). With over 200 years of history in the beverage market and a heritage of innovation and development, it has successfully evolved from a predominantly domestic Indian tea farming company to become a marketing and brand focused global organisation.
The Company has various brands, which include Tata Tea,Tetley, Good Earth, Eight O’Clock Coffee, Jemča and Vitax. It is making strong strides towards its mission of making the world a better place through life-enhancing sustainable hydration with a recent JV agreement with PepsiCo, named NourishCo, in the area of non-carbonated ready-to-drink beverages, focused on health and enhanced wellness. It also holds an equity stake in Rising Beverages LLC, which manufactures and markets a range of vitamin and flavour enhanced water in theUS, using unique powder dispensing technology, under the “Activate” brand.
With an annual turnover of US$1.3 billion (FY 2010/11) the company’s global expansion is highlighted by the fact that over 65 per cent of the consolidated revenue originates from markets outside ofIndia. Tata Global Beverages maintains a strong focus on consumer brands and more than 90 per cent of turnover is delivered by its branded products.
The central office for the group is in Uxbridge,West London,UK. OutsideIndia, it has a number of offices, factories and plantations in theUnited Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Canada, Poland, CzechRepublic, Russia, Pakistan, Bangladesh and South Africa. One of the group’s subsidiaries, Tata Coffee, also own and manages plantations and instant coffee operations inIndia.
Temsa (Turkey)
Interview with Mehmet Buldurgan – CEO
Temsa Global is headquartered in Istanbul and is a fully owned subsidiary of Sabanci Holding. Its net sales in 2008 were $870 million. 23% these come from group sales outside Turkey. In 2010, the consolidated revenue of Sabancı Holding, its parents company was estimated to be US$ 13 B[xxviii]. Temsa operates three business units: Bus and coach, under the Temsa brand; Truck and automotive: it manufactures Mitsubishi FUSO Canter light trucks and distributes them in Turkey, Georgia, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan; Construction vehicle: it distributes Komatsu construction equipment in Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Cyprus. In total, 75% of its 2008 coach and midi-coach sales revenue came from exports (79% in European markets and rest in Middle East and North Africa, CIS, Gulf Cooperation Council regions). The following models are offered to international markets: Diamond, Safari, Safir, Avenue, Metropol, Opalin, Tourmalin and Prestij, all manufactured at the main bus and coach manufacturing facilities in Adana, Turkey. The Temsa Egypt production facility started operating in 2008. It produces bus and coaches for MENA (Middle East and North Africa) and GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) markets. The company also opened manufacturing facilities in Adapazari, Turkey, in 2008 and this facility currently produces light trucks targeted to be exported across the world, especially countries on the former Silk Road. The facility is planned to manufacture trailers, medium and heavy-duty trucks, as well as superstructures and rear cargo bodies. Temsa Global has established sales, marketing and after-sales network in 44 countries, as well as companies and 10 representative offices in its main markets. Located in Mechelen, Belgium, Temsa Europe NV is responsible for all marketing and sales activities in Europe, as well as coordination of after-sales services, warehousing and distribution of spare parts in the region.
Titan Industries (India)
Interview with Bhaskar Bhat, Managing Director
Headquartered in Hosur, India, Titan is listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange. 27.8% of Titan industries in owned by TamilNadu Industrial Development Corp, 8.9% by Tata Sons and 8.7% by Kalimati investment company. In 2010, its revenues were $1.46 billion, out of which 3.4% were from group sales outside of India (0.6% from USA, 2.8% from other countries inclusive of Middle East, Singapore, Asia – Malaysia, Vietnam). Titan primarily expanded internationally by creating a subsidiary, Titan International for promoting its brand of jewellry and watches in Middle East, and Titan Watches and Jewellery internatinal (Asia Pacific)Pte, for promoting in Asia. Titan sells jewellry under its Tanishq brand in Middle East, US, and South East Asia. It also sells watches under its Titan brand in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Middle East and Pakistan, exiting the European market in 2006. Tanishq jewellery is the biggest selling brand overseas market, and amongst Titan’s watch business, the Titan Sonata brand is the most popular selling brand accounting for nearly 50% of all watch sales. Titan has manufacturing units in Hosur, Dehradun, Baddi and Roorke.
Ulker (Turkey)
Interview with Cafer Fındıkoğlu – CEO (Ülker Bisküvi, Fresh Cake Gıda, İdeal Gıda, Atlas Gıda)
Ulker Biscuit is headquartered in Istanbul, listed on the Istanbul Stock Exchange, and 42% owned by Yildiz Holding. Ulker Biscuit’s 2010 revenues were $1.12 billion. 18% of these come from group sales outside Turkey (59% MENA, 33% Western Europe and Balkans, and 8% other regions). Its two distribution subsidiaries (Istanbul Gida Dis Tic. and Birlesik Dis Tic.) export Ulker products to more than 110 countries, the Balkans and the Middle East in particular and also the United States, Europe, CIS, Africa and the Far East. UB produces 280 assorted biscuits, crackers, chocolate covered biscuits and wafers and under the umbrella brand, Ulker has over 50 brand names i.e. Mavi Yesil, Halk, Alpella. Its manufacturing facilities for its overseas sales are located in Istanbul and Ankara. Ulker Group of companies’ international revenue is around $553 million and $250 million of this amount is export revenue while the rest is generated by sales of products manufactured in the group’s factories abroad. The group has 32 facilities in Turkey and produces biscuits, chocolate, cakes and crackers in Saudi Arabia, Romania, Ukraine, Algeria, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. With the acquisition of Godiva in 2008, with factories in the USA and Belgium and the completion of the investments in Egypt and Pakistan, the Ulker Group of Companies will be operating ten factories in ten countries. The factory in Romania, which started operations in 2005, has become Ulker’s doorway to Europe. This facility allows the Group to serve not only Balkan countries but also numerous EU countries. The factory in Egypt is planned to be the Group’s doorway to the African market.
Vitra (Turkey)
Interview with Hüsamettin Onanç – Executive Vice President (Eczacıbaşı Building Products Division)
Vitra is headquartered in Istanbul, listed on the Istanbul Stock Exchange, and 90% owned by Eczacibasi Holding. Its 2010 revenues were $750 million. 65% of these come from group sales outside Turkey (52% in Europe, 7% in Asia, 5% in the America, and 1% in other regions). Its product line compromises 25% ceramic sanitary ware, built-in cisterns, cistern mechanisms and flushing systems, toilet seats, bathtubs, shower trays, 10% faucets and bathroom accessories and 15% bathroom furniture and 50% Tiles. It owns 100% of Burgbad AG (acquired in 2008). It acquired Engers Keramik in 2006. 75% share of the Villeroy & Boch Fliesen GmbH (tile division of Villeroy & Boch) is acquired in 2007. The company has 100 owned sales and distribution companies in U.S.A, U.K., Ireland, Germany, Russia and Bulgaria. It sells overseas under these brand-names: Burgbad (distributed worldwide, mainly in Europe), Engers (in Europe), Villeroy & Boch (distributed worldwide, mainly in Europe and Asia, growing in Middle East and the USA), Vitra (distributed worldwide, mainly in European markets, including Germany and the UK, raising its standing in France, Italy, Russia, Middle East, Gulf Region and North Africa), VitrAFix and VitrATherm (over in 44 countries in 4 continents, Middle East, North Africa, Northern Cyprus and UK as being the strategic markets). Vitra began its overseas sales efforts by exporting Vitra ceramic sanitary ware to Germany (1983). In 1992, the company established a new ceramic wall and floor tile plant in Bozüyük in a joint venture with Marazzi of Italy. The same year, modern bathroom and kitchen set manufacturing plants in Tuzla were established. The bathtub production was undertaken by a joint venture with American Standard and kitchen sets were produced under the German Bulthaup license. In 2001, the company became the sole owner of VitrA Tiles Ireland. This was followed by acquisition of Engers Keramik, a German ceramic tile manufacturer, in 2006. The Group acquired a 51% + 24% share of V&B Fliesen, the tile division of Villeroy & Boch in 2007 and 2010, acquired Burgbad in 2008, a German producer of luxury bathroom furniture. Its manufacturing facilities for its overseas sales are scattered across countries. Burgbag has three plants in Germany and France. Engers has a plant in Germany. Villeroy & Boch has three plants in Germany and France. Vitra tile has two plants in Turkey, five plants in Europe, and one in Ireland, and Vitra bath has four plants in Turkey.
Wipro (India)
Interviews with Jessie Paul, CMO and Priti Rajora, General Manager, Talent Acquisition
Western India Vegetable Products, founded in 1945 by M.H. Hasham Premji, the father of current chairman, Azim Premji, changed its name to Wipro Products Ltd. in 1977 and in 1984 to Wipro Limited. Wipro is a global IT services company. The company provides a comprehensive range of enterprise solutions primarily to Fortune 1000 and Global 500 companies. Wipro’s services extend from Enterprise Application Services (CRM, ERP, e-Procurement and SCM), to e-Business solutions. It also provides research and development services to corporations globally. Wipro Limited recorded revenues of Rs. 310.5 billion (US$ 6.97 billion) during the fiscal year ended March 2011, an increase of 14% over 2010. The operating profit of the company was INR 97.7 billion (US$ 2.2 billion) during fiscal year 2010-11, an increase of 14% over the previous year.[xxx] The IT services and products business segment is called Wipro Technologies, which is our focus and accounts for 90% of Wipro’s revenues in 2006-07. It provides IT services to international companies. The company’s IT services are focused on the following areas: enterprise IT services; technology infrastructure support services; and research and development services. The company provides a comprehensive range of enterprise solutions primarily to Fortune 1000 and Global 500 companies. Wipro’s services extend from Enterprise Application Services (CRM, ERP, e-Procurement and SCM), to e-Business solutions. The company’s delivery capabilities are supplemented by a holistic quality approach that integrates quality processes like Six Sigma, SEI CMM Level 5 and CMM to eliminate deficiencies in execution.