Titan helps Montblanc re-enter India with a JV

Plans stores in four cities including Mumbai and Delhi

India's largest watch and jewellery maker Titan has set up a joint venture with global luxury brand Maison Montblanc to set up its luxury boutiques in India.

Montblanc is re-entering India after its earlier venture with cricketer turned entrepreneur Dilip Doshi failed. Doshi's Entrack Trading company was its India partner for nearly two decades.

The new joint venture with Titan will see the opening of five Montblanc boutiques in the coming three months in Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Pune, the company said in a statement. The firm has opened Montblanc boutiques in the exclusive Palladium Mall in Mumbai, and at the Taj Mahal Hotel, Mansingh Road Delhi. Both boutiques showcase the latest collections of expertly crafted, sought-after timepieces, a wide selection of the Maison's innovative writing instruments, fine jewellery for men and women and artisanal leather goods.

Simultaneously, a dedicated Customer Service Centre operated by Titan will ensure a new level of convenience and service for clients in India.

"We are delighted to partner with Titan in India. This is a market that presents exceptional opportunity for Montblanc, and our expansion strategy will certainly help serve our strong and loyal client base here. The first two boutiques in Mumbai and in Delhi are excellent starting points for us and we look forward to a long and successful presence in India," Nicolas Baretzki, Executive Vice President Sales, Montblanc International

Bhaskar Bhat, Managing Director of Titan Company Limited said: "We are equally delighted to be partnering with Montblanc and have every confidence in ensuring its success. This association will help us bring to our large and loyal Customer base a unique luxury experience. With Titan's strong position and Montblanc's iconic, luxury offering across its portfolio, there is no doubt that the Maison's appeal and success will only continue to grow."