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ZAFCO Acquires Global Brand Rights for ZEETEX from S&H Tires

Global rights for ZEETEX brand to boost ZAFCO's geographical reach while providing 'Superior Value, Innovation and Service for Customers and Partners'

UAE Dubai: ZAFCO - the leading global distributor of automotive tires, batteries and lubricants, announced the acquisition of the ZEETEX brand from S&H Tires, a Netherlands based company, making ZAFCO the sole distributor of the premium brand. Prior to this development, the rights to ZEETEX, which encompasses over 600 product units including tires, batteries and lubricants, were jointly held between the two companies.

The international brand is designed and developed to cater to customer requirements in every tire category. ZEETEX offers products that are suitable for on and off-road driving, high-speed driving as well as for industrial operations. Since its launch in 2005, the brand has developed a strong reputation for quality assurance, safety and compliance with environmental requirements, and holds an impressive range of certifications.

The takeover was announced following ZAFCO's participation at the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show in November 2011, where the company showcased ZEETEX, their own exclusive brand.

Simon Klapwijk, CEO of S&H Tyres, expressed happiness at the brand's development that has progressed over a period of years working closely with ZAFCO, thereby bringing in new products and innovations to the market place. He commented: "S&H is looking forward to seeing this brand go a long way even further with the length and breadth of ZAFCO's reach and distribution, combined with their hunger for introducing new products to the market."

Gopiraj KV, CEO of ZAFCO, commented, "Our focus will be on France, Germany and the UK, as they represent the largest tire markets, among the 21 European countries where we will now sell ZEETEX. We plan to quadruple our current revenue in the next four years and are confident that we will be able to achieve this target."

ZAFCO will continue to undertake research and development to introduce a wider range of products suitable to European driving conditions. The ZEETEX premium tire range category is endorsed by Ukraine's premium drifting champion, Alex Golovnya, who has made 5 podium finishes out of 9 appearances in drift competitions in 2011 using ZEETEX tires in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus, of which 3 were 1^st positions. Additionally, drift driving enthusiast from Scotland, Stuart Leishman personally advocates the importance of an excellent tyre in challenging conditions. Reflecting his confidence in the high quality of ZEETEX tires and. driving a Mitsubishi Evo IX he finished second in the Red Bull Drift Abu Dhabi 2011 event. He zoomed past the competition on ZEETEX 215/35 R18 HP 102.

"We see immense potential in the European market, despite recent qualms about the instability of the economy. This takeover is in line with our goal to become a US$1 billion company in the next few years and we have ambitious plans for ZEETEX, as we turn it into a truly global brand," concluded Gopiraj.

ZAFCO aims to build on the momentum generated in 2011, and will continue to identify and capitalise on opportunities that are in line with the company's global expansion plans. ZAFCO has recently confirmed its plans to launch its new product, ZT 1000, early in 2012, a revolutionary addition to the brand's premium tire range.

-Ends-

About ZAFCO:
Founded in Dubai in 1993, ZAFCO is one of the world's leading importers and exporters of car tires, batteries and lubricants. The company is based in the Jebel Ali Free Zone and its UAE storage facilities, which cover 43,100 sq. m, can accommodate up to 1 million tires.

ZAFCO has recorded an average compounded growth of over 30 per cent since its inception and passed the milestone of AED 1 billion turn-over in 2009. The company has sales in over 85 countries and works closely with 800-plus distributors globally through its offices around the world.

ZAFCO's goal is to be recognized as the number one source for the world's best tires globally. It is also a quality tire manufacturer in its own right with the ZEETEX brand.

For additional information contact:
Tabassum Farooq
Senior Account Manager
Cicero & Bernay Public Relations
Mob: + 971 50 910 7003
Tel: + 971 4 334 2966
E-mail: tabassum@cbpr.ae
Website: www.cbpr.ae

© Press Release 2011