Sachin becomes stakeholder in Future Group and Manipal Group JV

Mumbai, Feb 6 (UNI) Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar has become a stakeholder in a joint venture to, which will launch products in the health supplement, sports goods, fitness equipment and lifestyle accessories categories.

The JV -- the Future Group and the recently set-up Manipal Group -- intends to launch the products under the brand names 'S Drive and Sach'. They would be retailed across the multiple Future Group formats like Big Bazaar, Central, Planet Sports, Manipal Cure and Care, a release issued here today stated.

Speaking on the occasion, Tendulkar said ''Being a brand ambassador and endorsing a product is different, in this association I have given my name as these products will reflect my values.'' Kishore Biyani, CEO of Future Group added, ''India is the most under branded country in the world. Of the total retail business only eight per cent is contributed by brands. Through this association with Sachin we believe these brands will gain mass acceptance.'' The range of products are expected to be launched in the market in the next couple of months, in time for the World Cup.

UNI