Thakral Group to distribute Dunhill line

 The Dunhill products will be distributed in India by Thakral Computers Pvt Ltd, a Thakral Group company. The company is also the distribto of Rado, Switzerland, products in India.

 Rikhi Thakral, executive director of the Thakral Group, said: "We are excited about this alliance with Dunhill. We will utilise our understanding of the local Indian market to make Dunhill available to patrons across the country and futher enhance the brand's presence in India."

 The $2 billion Thakral Group is the distributor for Indo-China (Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam) for Rado, Omega and Seiko.

 It is also the distributor for the region for Morellato of Italy, which produces straps for watches, and Bergeon of Switzerland, which makes precision tools used in watches.

 Thakral Group sources said the group is also exploring the option of acquiring the distribution rights of Seiko for the Indian market.

 "In view of the high import duty in India, we are trying to negotiate lower prices," the sources said adding that Seiko could offer direct competition to Titan, the leading wtach brand in India.

 The Thakral Group has interests in India ranging from manufacturing, trading, distribution, real estate and software development.

 It has invested around Rs 250 crore in the country. Apart from Thakral Computers, the other companies of the Thakral Group in India include Givo Ltd and Raffles Software Pvt Ltd. The group has also entered the Internet services busines in India through a joint venture with Pacific Internet of Singapore.