Law firm Hill Dickinson has advised XRS International on a newly formed Portsmouth- and London-based business backed by former Indian cricket captain, Sachin Tendulkar.
The ex-international cricketer turned entrepreneur joins XRS International (Xpress Refinishing Solutions), a distributor of sustainable solutions for the global automotive repair market, as a shareholder as the business gears up for global growth.
XRS International, founded in 2023, is a joint venture between S1 International, a London-based advisory firm that facilitates UK-Indian trade; DCR Holdings, a holding company for a number of vehicle repair solutions; and SRT Sports and Holdings LLP, a holding company for Sachin Tendulkar.
The business is currently eyeing significant growth in the US, with the global automotive repair and maintenance services market projected to reach $1,850 billion by 2033*.
Having retired in 2013, Tendulkar is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in cricket’s history. Joining founders Sushant Karangutkar, Shil Patel and Steve Barrett, Tendulkar will now operate as an equal shareholder.
XRS International specialises in technology to support rapid, more environmentally friendly alloy wheel repairs. Its patented flagship range, DCR Systems, is already in place in car dealerships, vehicle repair and mechanic businesses across UK, Europe and Australia, with XRS International now gearing up for exports into US markets.
As part of the joint venture, XRS International has also agreed to formally acquire DCR Systems Limited, the manufacturer of the system.
DCR Systems was recently approved for distribution for Ford Rotunda, the tool and equipment arm for Ford Motor Company.
Tendulkar commented on the new venture: “I have always been interested in automobiles, and anything related to the automotive industry excites me. It’s one of the reasons I’m so excited to be onboard with XRS International. Having had the opportunity to visit its plant and facilities last year, it’s clear this is a venture with significant growth potential.”
Shil Patel and Sushant Karangutkar, XRS International co-founder, added: “XRS International is all about bringing British-made automotive innovations to the global stage. In a market that’s crying out for sustainable solutions, we’re now poised on the cusp of impressive growth, particularly within the US and Europe. It’s a hugely exciting time for us, especially with Sachin now in the business. Alongside his formidable cricket career, he’s someone with real automotive knowledge and expertise, and this guidance will be fundamental to driving our growth forward in the years to come.”
Steve Barrett, XRS International co-founder, commented: “The opportunity for DCR to become part of XRS enables us to combine our respective skills, knowledge and manufacturing capability to identify and launch into new markets. There’s a platform for us to become the global standard of alloy wheel refurbishing, and together with Shil, Sushant and Sachin, we have the foundations in place to make this a reality.”
Sandip Khroud, partner and head of Hill Dickinson’s corporate team in Leeds, shared: “It’s been a pleasure to advise on the setting up of XRS International. Between them, the four founders have successful track records in innovation, manufacture and distribution, including trade in India. It’s an excellent platform from which to pool their expertise and develop links to exciting new markets, such as the US.”
