Mumbai, July 18, 2025 – Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (RRVL), a subsidiary of Reliance Industries, has announced the acquisition of Kelvinator, a historic American appliance brand, in a strategic move to bolster its position in India’s rapidly growing consumer durables sector. The financial details of the deal remain undisclosed, but the acquisition is poised to significantly enhance Reliance Retail’s offerings in premium home appliances, aligning with its vision of “democratizing aspirational living.”
Reliance Retail Acquires Kelvinator to Expand Consumer Durables Footprint
Kelvinator, founded in 1914 and renowned for pioneering electric refrigeration, became a household name in India during the 1970s and 80s with its iconic tagline, “The Coolest One.” The brand is celebrated for its cutting-edge technology, durability, and high performance in appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, and kitchen appliances. By integrating Kelvinator’s legacy of innovation with Reliance Retail’s expansive network of 19,340 stores and digital commerce platforms, the company aims to make high-quality, globally benchmarked products accessible to Indian households.
“This acquisition marks a pivotal moment, enabling us to significantly broaden our offering of trusted global innovations to Indian consumers,” said Isha M Ambani, Executive Director of Reliance Retail Ventures Limited. “This is powerfully supported by our unmatched scale, comprehensive service capabilities, and market-leading distribution network.”
Reliance Retail, which reported a consolidated turnover of ₹3,30,870 crore and EBITDA of ₹25,053 crore for FY25, operates across grocery, consumer electronics, fashion, lifestyle, and pharmaceuticals. The acquisition of Kelvinator is part of Reliance’s broader strategy to deepen consumer engagement and accelerate growth in the premium home appliances market, leveraging the brand’s strong equity and product development legacy.
The move follows Reliance’s pattern of acquiring legacy brands to relaunch them with its robust distribution network, as seen with Campa Cola. Industry experts note that Kelvinator’s immediate brand recall among Indian consumers will likely boost Reliance’s competitive edge in the consumer electronics market, where it already operates its Wyzr brand, focusing on air coolers, food processors, and electric kettles.
With Kelvinator now integrated into its ecosystem, Reliance Retail is well-positioned to capitalize on India’s evolving consumer aspirations, particularly in the premium appliance segment. This acquisition underscores Reliance’s commitment to meeting the diverse needs of Indian consumers by offering accessible, future-ready technology, further solidifying its leadership in the retail landscape.
