Zafco, Pirelli sign Armstrong brand licensing agreement

Pirelli Tyre SpA and Zafco have signed an agreement that will allow Zafco to use the previously mothballed Armstrong brand under license for five years. The UAE-based company has an understanding with Pirelli that it can acquire the brand from Pirelli within the five years of the licensing agreement, which was signed on 23 April, 2012. Asif Yusufzai, member of Zafco’s board of directors, described the deal as marking a momentous occasion for both Zafco and the Armstrong brand. Zafco said that Armstrong tyres will be manufactured at reputable factories commensurate with its internationally recognised high quality.

Yusufzai commented: “We are very pleased with this development. We took this step in keeping with our long term vision of establishing our presence across all segments of the market and to implement our global strategy of offering a wide ranging assortment to our customers. We also aim for continuous improvements in product quality to ensure that every new product we roll out under the Armstrong will be better than its predecessors.”

Carl Casalbore, vice president of Sales at Zafco’s US subsidiary, added: “The use under license and subsequent addition of the Armstrong brand to our portfolio in the US is an important strategic step we have taken in line with the needs of the US market. This brand has a lot to offer in the agriculture and commercial tyres segment in the US, and therefore this will be the main focus for Armstrong here. In addition, Armstrong will also be selling tyres in the passenger segment including touring and ultra high performance, sport utility vehicle, cross utility vehicle.”