Reliance Retail buys Kelvinator to disrupt India’s consumer durables market

In a strategic move, India’s biggest retailer, Reliance Retail , on Friday announced the acquisition of consumer durables maker Kelvinator as it looks to "significantly amplify its leadership" in the country’s fast-growing consumer durables sector.

The financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

"Our mission has always been to serve the diverse needs of every Indian by making technology accessible, meaningful, and future-ready," said Isha Ambani , Executive Director, Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (RRVL). "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," Ambani said.

Reliance Retail is India’s largest organised retail chain with 19,340 stores.

This acquisition strategically aligns with Reliance Retail's vision of democratising aspirational living, the company said in a statement. “By integrating Kelvinator's rich legacy of innovation with Reliance Retail's expansive and unparalleled retail network, the company is set to unlock substantial consumer value and accelerate growth in the rapidly expanding premium home appliances market across India. This synergy will ensure that high-quality, globally-benchmarked products are accessible to every Indian household, enhancing their daily lives,” it added.

“This acquisition is a testament to Reliance Retail's unwavering commitment to shaping the future of the consumer durable sector in India by delivering unparalleled value and choice to consumers, nationwide,” the retailer said.

With Kelvinator now firmly integrated into its formidable ecosystem, Reliance Retail said it is strategically positioned to accelerate category growth, deepen consumer engagement, and unlock substantial long-term opportunities within India's dynamic consumer durables market. “This move reinforces Reliance Retail's ambition to not only anticipate but meet the evolving demands of the Indian consumer, solidifying its position as the undisputed leader in the retail landscape,” it added.

For over a century, Kelvinator pioneered electric refrigeration for home use globally. “In India, it achieved iconic status in the 1970s and 80s with its memorable tagline, "The Coolest One," and continues to be revered for its cutting-edge technology, superior performance, enduring quality, and exceptional value,” the statement said.

Last week, Fortune India reported that Reliance Retail is looking to expand its network in tier 2 and tier 3 markets as part of its growth strategy, while selectively exploring international growth opportunities. Ambani told Fortune India that technology and innovation will be central to this journey, as will strategic partnerships that allow us to enhance the offerings. “We are expanding across urban and rural India, and selectively exploring global opportunities that align with our capabilities and values. We will continue to diversify into new product categories, build global partnerships, and prioritise innovation and sustainability,” Ambani said.

Reliance Retail recorded gross revenue of ₹330,870 crore in FY25, a growth of 7.9% over last year. The business continued its strong track record of profit growth registering an EBITDA of ₹25,053 crore, higher by 8.6%. The net profit increased by 11.3% to 12,388 crore.