Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar backs Portsmouth’s XRS International ‘on cusp of impressive growth’

XRS International has found a star-studded new shareholder – former Indian cricket captain Sachin Tendulkar.

Founded last year, the business provides sustainable solutions for the global automotive repair market, manufactured in Portsmouth.

It’s a joint venture between London’s S1 International, DCR Holdings, and SRT Sports and Holdings LLP, Sachin’s holding company.

The firm plans to expand significantly in the US, with the automotive repair market expected to hit $1,850 billion by 2033.

Sachin Tendulkar, retired since 2013, is one of cricket’s all-time greats.

Joining founders Sushant Karangutkar, Shil Patel, and Steve Barrett, he’ll be an equal shareholder in XRS International, which specialises in rapid, eco-friendly alloy wheel repairs.

Its flagship range, DCR Systems, is used in car dealerships and repair businesses across the UK, Europe, and Australia.

The range is built by DCR Systems Limited, which XRS International is set to acquire as part of the joint venture.

Sachin said: “I’ve 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 on board 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.”

Co-founders Shil Patel and Sushant Karangutkar said: “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 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 added: “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.”

Hill Dickinson advised XRS International on the joint venture, with accountancy and tax support from Blick Rothenburg.

• dcrsystems.co.uk

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