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Browns growth facilitates Superbrand status

Brown & Co. PLC achieved another milestone by acquiring ‘Superbrand’ status in recognition for their market leadership in seven segments. Reputed for their quality, reliability, prestige and distinction in all operations Brown & Company has continued to introduce innovative products and services to the local market.

CEO/Managing Director Murali Prakash said, “We are pleased to have been recognized with this global award and should thank all stakeholders specially our customers for the trust they have placed in our Products and Services.

Very few organizations have posted significant sales growth during these turbulent times. The attempt to be different from the competition and clearly focus on channel strategy has brought increased market share in almost all key segments that we operate in.”

He said “The growth in Market share of the segments have been achieved during two and a half years which is quite an achievement for any brand.

The achievement of market leadership has been gained in seven diverse segments, which is not an easy task.

The main reason for such a turnaround has been the clear focus on customer centric services and solutions together with credible brand building activities carried out by the group. The recruitment of specialized marketers to the company has also facilitated a number of innovative projects and strategies that have given us the edge.”

The Browns group has also demonstrated that relevant and targeted communication and brand building does not need large budgets to achieve the following. The in-house creative team has played a vital role together with the brand teams to facilitate the above achievements.

Tractors with 70 percent market share, is our fastest growing segment with the Brands Tafe and Sifang under our portfolio. Prakash said, “In the four wheel tractor segment, our market share for the year 2008 grew up to 68 percent and in the two wheel segment we now have a share of over 33 percent in an otherwise highly fragmented market.

Our supremacy in the marine engine inboard sector has continued. With world renowned brands Yanmar, Hino and Ashok Leyland, we hold over 65 percent of the market share. Browns is the market leader in Motor vehicle Batteries with our flagship brand Exide, having a market share in excess of 58 percent, whilst Browns commands almost 60 percent of the total battery market. Browns continue to dominate the branded power tool segment with two world renowned brands in Makita and Maktec. These two brands hold an overall share of 51 percent in the branded segment.”

Radiators with 42 percent, vet pharma with 37 percent and Integrated Business solutions with 30 percent covering world renowned brands such as Sharp, Oce, Eukanuba and Intervet completed the seven segments which contributed to the Browns achievement.

The PowerMart which is a one stop service centre for batteries, BAT (battery) mobile service which helps stranded motorist to replace their batteries no matter which brand, farmer training on tractors, 24 hour support service for high end OCE and Sharp office equipment, Renting office equipment through Doculine Rental service, door to door delivery of Eukanuba dog food, new supermarket channels to market computers are a few of those strategies adopted.

Bonanza for Sampath Bank cardholders

Sampath Bank has come up with a first-of-its-kind shopping bonanza for their loyal cardholders. This offer entitles all their Credit Card and Visa Debit Cardholders to a 10 percent unconditional discount on all their purchases - excluding tobacco and alcohol - at any of the Cargills Food City outlets islandwide. In addition Cargills Food City is offering a further 10 percent discount on selected products making it more lucrative deal of 20 percent discount for the cardholders.

The offer is open from October 27 - November 25.

LCD TV and Blu-ray Disc player:

Philips wins EISA awards

Philips has won two new EISA Awards making it a total of 17 awards since 1992.

European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) is the unique association of 50 special interest magazines from 19 European countries internationally known for the European EISA Awards. In June each year, the editors-in-chief from all EISA member magazines collectively select winners of the products analyzed in their publications during the past year for the coveted EISA Awards.

Philips innovative Cinema 21:9 and Blu-ray Disc Player 9100 received the EISA Award for Best Home Theatre Innovation 2009-2010. In their official citation, the EISA judging panel stated “ As more Blu-ray disc releases are offered in their original cinematic aspects of around 2.35:1, this is the first set that gets close to offering the widescreen impact intended by the director.

Philips’ Cinema 21:9 still partially scales the Blu-ray Discs 1080p output to fill its 2560x1080 pixel screen, but the results are both natural and compelling.

Philips’ own BDP9100 Blu-ray player with subtle shift function is the ideal partner. This is a Profile 2.0 machine that handles Dolby and DTS High Definition Audio formats with 1GB of internal memory to accommodate BD live extras. Philips is the first to offer truly cinematic widescreen experience from a TV.”

The Philips 46” 9000 Series was again selected as the “Best European LCD TV of the Year 2009-2010” According to the panel of judges, the Philips 9000 series Flat TV with LED Pro offers great picture performance complemented by Philips Ambilight feature, the Philips 46” 9000 series has picked up the award for European LCD TV of the Year for 2009-2010.

In their official citation the EISA panel of judges said “Although competition in the LCD Display market is tough, Philips again offers a masterpiece for moving pictures. With its innovative backlight feature “Ambilight” the Philips 46” 9000 Series will amaze viewers with the deepest blacks ever, making for an impressive picture with high contrast. Thanks to Philips “Perfect Natural Motion” correction system, sharpness of detail is unsurpassed even in scenes with vertical movement.

Philips unique Setup Assistant makes it easy to find your favourite picture settings and the set is well prepared for on-line Internet use. Some useful websites are pre-installed and after browsing the Internet you can store your favourite sites as shortcut icons. With a USB connection of DLNA, you can bring your own media files to the screen from your PC, Media Server or Memory Card.”

Rainco introduces PermaNet

Despite many solutions, the mosquito net is still considered the safest and the most effective, said Rainco Managing Director Fazal M. Fausz a manufacturer of standardized mosquito nets. Getting undisturbed sleep free of chemicals is assured under a mosquito net - “and that means you are alert and energized the next day,” he said.

In partnership with Vesterguard Franderesrson of Switzerland, Rainco has introduced PermaNet, a unique chemical impregnated mosquito net that kills and repels mosquitoes and house flies. PermaNet is accepted globally as a safe and practical alternate and is recommended for both mothers and infants as protection against mosquito borne diseases.

“The active ingredient is PermaNet is the insecticide (deltamethrin) which is applied evenly to the netting fibres, ensuring that it stays on the surface, even after multiple washes and years of use. Deltamethrin is safe for humans but kills or repels mosquitoes when they come into contact with the net.

Union Bank launches Elite Circle

Union Bank launched Elite Circle on November 3 to enhance the banking experience of high net worth customers. Offering special privileges, the Bank hopes to provide better and innovative services.

With convenience being a key factor, an Elite Circle Centre will be at the Kollupitiya branch in Green Path, Colombo 7. This centre will offer personalized dedicated services and financial privileges with priority.

Customers with minimum deposits of Rs. 3 million in savings, fixed deposits, treasury bill and repos will be eligible to receive Elite Circle exclusive benefits including preferential interest rates on fixed deposits, free branded cheque books, ATM Cards with higher daily cash withdrawal limits, free pay orders, standing orders and slip transfers, among many others.

The offer is extended to existing depositors as well where they will get instant recognition at of the Bank’s branches along with separate parking facilities.

Making it more personal, Elite Circle customers will receive special gifts and cakes on their birthdays.