The French Connection: Arc-en-Ciel

The French tyre trading network Arc-en-Ciel claims to be the largest European chain of independent tyre dealers. In 1986, there were only twelve members, but this has grown to a network of 850 outlets in Europe, 386 of which are in France. Every year, 20 new members join the group, it is claimed.

In France alone, Arc-en-Ciel distributed around 2.9 million tyres in 1999, with the group holding 11% of the car/van tyre market, 9% of HGV and 18% of the agricultural tyre market. The Arc-en-Ciel branding is memorable – the name means rainbow in French – and this is carried over to a range of own brand products, which, of course, includes tyres that go under the name Eurotyre.

As Arc-en-Ciel spreads across Europe, its strength increases. In addition to the French network, the group has a presence in six European countries, including 71 depots in the Benelux and 168 in Spain. Further expansion is envisioned in Portugal and in eastern Europe.