Kwik Fit name heading to Russia

Japan’s Itochu Corporation, which purchased Kwik Fit Group for £637 million early last year, reportedly plans to adopt the fast-fit network’s name for its Russian operation – a business that may significantly expand. In an interview with The Telegraph, Kwik Fit managing director Kenji Murai explained that Itochu already has a presence in Russia’s tyre retail and wholesale sectors and operates its business there under different brand names. These will adopt the British fast-fit network’s brand name as “Kwik Fit is an Itochu leader brand now.” Murai added that Itochu currently has 15 outlets in Russia but the firm intends to grow this; the company’s network there “could easily” hit the 200 to 250 mark, he said.

Murai also told The Telegraph that Kwik Fit is investing in the UK. Some £190 million has reportedly been earmarked for refurbishing the company’s UK outlets. “After three owners over the past ten years, there was not much investment in the brand and the retail centres,” he commented. Around 35 outlets have already been given a makeover to make them more customer friendly, and have benefitted from touches such as waiting room sofas, wi-fi and free coffee.