NEWS

Date : March 4, 2006 Publication: The Hindu Date: Saturday, March 04,2006 Edition: Bangalore Page: 1(Property)(col) Painting Blues? Help is at hand Are you planning to get your home painted but have no idea where to begin? You need to ruminate on many aspects. Primarily, you need to hunt for not just an ordinary painter but a reliable and skilled one with a thorough knowledge of colours and shades, who can complete the job in time. Will he ensure quality? How much paint to buy? Will he put back your furniture and clean up after the job is over? If all these queries have weighed you down and caused postponement of your plan, help is at hand. "We will provide solutions to your entire home painting problems," assures Mohammed Samiullah, Manager, Leuis Berger Home painting division. "If you are planning to paint your home, call us and relax. We will give you your dream home without the hassles," he says. You need to call and register your name. The job starts with a free home visit by the company executive to understand the scope of the job. An accurate estimate, provided by the company, is the foundation on which each painting job is undertaken. You can use the services of colour consultants (wherever they are available) for shade selection. A warranty is also provided to assure the client on the quality of paints and workmanship. "From pre- painting guidance to material sourcing and delivery to post-painting clean-up, we do everything. We help the client in budgeting, product selection, tackling defects and shifting furniture. We also complete the job on time," Mr. Samiullah says. Other painting companies such as Asian Paints also take up this job. No aesthetic sense An architect, Arti Sudhir Nair, opines that unprofessional painters may not be able to suggest the right colours, and many misguide a gullible homeowner into using a shade which may be took dark or different from the one indicated by the homeowner. "They don't have any aesthetic sense and will not know the technicalities of paint quality. They are best at covering a surface without any idea of creation that can add an aesthetic value to the surface." A good painter should be able to suggest a paint which can be resist fungus, discoloration , non-fading etc. for both interior and exterior applications. This is where the companies that provide painting solutions score over others, she says. "These companies normally have a tried and tested skillful set of painters who ensure a good and even surface finish, which gives the house a happy décor. In case of any mistake, they correct it at no extra cost," she says.  "I engage the services of the professional company painters as I have found that they are easier to deal with than regular contractors. There is better accountability in meeting time deadlines, ensuring and facilitating the homeowners to move quickly into there home and also saving a lot on rent if work is executed quicker," Ms. Arti explains. They also suggest the different new finishes and textures available in the market. A resident of Oak Wood Apartments that has 88 flats and penthouses in Koramanagala says that the companies do a professional job and are very cooperative. "The colours look great on a card. We chose a colour from their card and told them to do a sample job. We were not happy with the job and they immediately changed the colour to suit our requirements." A.B.SUDHINDRA   Paints companies offer total solutions. Get a free home visit by the company executive to understand the scope of the job. You can get an accurate estimate of the work. You can use the services of colour consultants (wherever they are available). You will get quality paints and quality workmanship. They do everything material sourcing, delivery, post-painting cleanup. Unprofessional painters may not be able to suggest the right colours. They will not know the technicalities of paint quality.

Date : February 11, 2006 Publication : Daily News and Analysis Edition : Mumbai Page : 4 (Brick n Mortar)/ Colour Berger paints has introduced illusions, a designer finish for walls, which can be applied on both, exterior and interior surfaces. Available in over 20designs with hundreds of possible colour combinations, the finish comprises multi-chrome finishes applies distincl patterns, which are result of specialized tools and application processes. “Illusions” has several exclusive features including enhanced “washability” due to the clear topcoat applied over the illusion design coat. It also encompasses a unique flexibility and elasticity of the paint film, which helps to prevent the formatter of cracks. The breathe out property provides a better binding with the wall surface. The illusions range offers smooth finish designs like Abstract, Blossom, Curves, Mosaic and textured finishes such as Contour, Desert, Foam, Gravel, Snow.It is priced between Rs.20 or 40 per sq.fit.For more details, Call 1600 345 8800

Date : February 1, 2006 Publication :The Telegraph Date :Wednesday, February 01, 2006. Kolkata Page :15 (Business Telegraph) Berger Paints has posted a 14 per cent growth in sales at Rs 294 crore for the third quarter ended December against Rs 258 crore in the corresponding period last year. Cumulative sales for nine months grew 21 per cent at Rs 848 crore (Rs 700 crore). Net profit at Rs 20 crore recorded a growth of 33 per cent over Rs 15 crore in the same period last year. Cumulative net profit for nine months grew 55 per cent to Rs 56.6 crore from Rs 36.5 crore. The company has paid an interim dividend of 50 per cent, as approved by the board on November 7, 2005.

Date : September 29, 2005 Publication : The Hindu Business Line Date : Thursday, September 29, 2005 Edition : All Editions* Page : 8 (Marketing/News) *New Delhi, Chennai, Coimbature, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Madurai, Kochi, Visakhapatnam, Thiruvananthapuram, Vijayawada, Mangalore, Mumbai, Tiruchirapalli Berger Paints bid to tap top-end market Our Bureau New Delhi, Sept. 28 GEARING up for the festive season, paints major Berger Paints India Ltd (BPIL) has effected a re-branding exercise with a new logo, aiming to tap the top end of the Rs 8,000 crore paints market in India The Kolkata-based company has also said it expected its. Russian plant to be commissioned in the middle of next year. 1 The plant would have an initial capacity of 6,000 tonnes per annum. It added that it was open to acquiring firms provided the right fit is found. "Berger Paints has been mostly associated as a value for money brand. But with disposable income levels of Indians going up and a lot of discerning consumers ready to spend on home decor, we felt the need to re-brand our product to tap the top end of the paints market," BPIL Managing Director, Mr Subir Bose, said here. As a part of the re-branding exercise, about 14 sub-brands of the company would be merged into eight sub-brands under the new range `Lewis Berger', company Senior General Manager Marketing, Mr Abhijit Roy, said. The Lewis Berger range will have brands such as Rangoli,Weather Coat, Silk, Walmasta,Luxol, Bison, Woodkeeper and Tuff place at the top end, Mr Roy added. The company has about 19 per cent share in the domestic market with a total turnover of Rs 9I5 crore, Mr Bose said adding it was expecting to touch a sales turnover of Rs 1,050 crore this fiscal. Mr Bose said the top-end paints market contributed about 10-20 per cent of the total market in India and has a huge potential for growth. On the Russian plant, Mr Bose said the company has completed the land acquisition process and has earmarked an investment of $5 million. "The total capacity of the Russian plant will be about 6,000 tonnes per annum and is likely to be commissioned by June-July next year," Mr Bose said. He said the company was likely to utilise the Russian plant to cater to the markets of CIS countries in the future. As of now, the company has been exporting its products from India to cater to the Russian market. "Once the plant is commissioned we would stop exporting from India," he said.Currently, the company's exports contribute about Rs 5 crore annually to the total sales, he added.

Date : September 29, 2005 Publication :The Economic Times Date . Thursday, September 29, 2005 Edition . New Delhi Page . 5 (Companies, Finance 8. Markets) BRIEFLY Berger creates master brand, new logo New Delhi: BcrgerPaints has effected a major re-brandiny exercise, where it has crcated a masterbrand in the name of its founder Lewis Berger. Most of its cxisting sub brands are being brought undcr the new umbrella brand with a significant consolidation in the number of sub brands. Under Lewis Berger, thc company will be selling its prcmium producls with a new logo. As part of rebranding exercise the total number of sub brands have been pruned from 14to 8. While the top end of thc sub brands have been brought under the new master brand others have been retained under the existing berger family which is perceived as a value for money brand. Subir Bose, managing director of Berger Painls, said, " The new umbrella brand retains the respectability and equity gained by berger over Ihc years and signifies image enhancemeni for all the key products of the company."

Date : September 29, 2005 JUST ahead of the festive season, Berger Paints India Ltd has effected a regrinding exercise with a new logo. The company aims to tap the top end of the Rs 8,000-come paints market in India. The Kolkata-based company said it expected its Russian plant to be commissioned in the middle of next year. This plant will have an initial capacity of 6,000 kiloliters per annum ~" "Berger Paints has been mostly associated as a value for money brand But with disposable income levels of Indians going up and a lot of disceming consumers ready to spend on home decor we felt the need to re-brand our product to tap the top end of The paints market," said Subir Bose, managing director, Berger Paints. As part of the rebranding exercise, about 14 sub-brands of the company would be merged into eight sub-brands under the new range Lewis Berger, said Abhijit Roy, senior general manager, marketing. The Lewis Berger range will have brands like Rangoli, Weather Coat, Silk, Walmasta, Luxol, Bison, Woodkeeper and Tuff placed at the top end, Mr Roy added. The company has about 19% of the domestic market share with a total turnover of Its 915 crore, Mr Bose said. He added that it was expecting to touch a sales turnover of As 1,050 crore this fiscal. Mr Bose added the top end paints market contribute about l020 % of the total market in India and ; has a huge potential 'for growth. On the Russian plant Mr Bose said - the company had - completed the land acquisition process and it has made an initial investment of $2 million. "The total capacity of the Russian plant will be about 6,000 kilolitres per annum and is likely to be commissioned by June-July next year," he added. The company was likely to utilise the Russuan plant to cater to the markets of CIS countries in future, Mr Bose said. -PI'I

Date : September 29, 2005 Publication :The Telegraph Date :Thursday, September 29, 2005 Edition . Page :15 (Business Telegraph) COLOURS OF LIFE: In a re-branding exercise, Berger Paints will merge about 14 sub-brands into eight under the new range of Lewis Berger. "We are trying to change the perception of paints as a commodity to that of a lifestyle branded product," Berger managing director Subir Bose (centre) said in New Delhi on Wednesday. The new logo for the company has been designed by Shombit Sengupta of Shining Strategic Design.

Date : September 29, 2005 Publication : The Hindu Date : Friday, September 30, 2005 Edition : All Editions Page :16 (Business) Berqer Paints undergoes re-branding exercise NEW DELHI: Berger Paints India has announced a re-branding exercise with a new logo, aiming to tap the top-end of the Rs. 8,000 crore paints market in India. Confident of commissioning of its Russian plant in the middle of next year with an initial capacity of 6,000 kilo litres annually, the company was planning to consolidate its position further through re-branding, BPIL Managing Director Subir Bose, told media persons. About 15 sub-brands of the company would be merged into eight sub brands under the new range `Lewis Berget', company Senior General Manager Marketing, Abhijit Roy, said.

Date : September 29, 2005 Publication :Daily News & Analysis Date :Friday, September 30, 2005 Edition .Mumbai Page :26 (DNA Money) Short Stories Berger is now Lewis Berger In a major revamp, Berger Paints will now retail under the brand name of Lewis Berger. Named after the founder of the company, the change in identity follows a series of modifications aimed at an overall brand upgrade. These include upgrade in the quality of paint, pack design, printing on the containers and cartons, the aesthetics of the paint outlets across the country, and, quality of service given to customers. The company says managing director Subir Bose will undertake a major human resource exercise that will involve educating and motivating employees and dealers on the Lewis Berger brand ethos.

Date : September 29, 2005 Publication :The Telegraph Date :Monday, October 03, 2005 Edition . Kolkata Page :16 (Business Telegraph) Staff reporter Calcutta, Oct. 2: After embarking on a re-branding exercise, Berger Paints now plans to raise the prices across all categories of its products after Diwali."We are going to increase prices by 3 per cent to 4 per cent across the board because of the steep rises in the crude oil prices," said Subir Bose, managing director of Berger Paints India Limited.The paints manufacturer expects to improve its market share in the premium segment with the re-branding of its entire range of decorative brands under the name 'Lewis Berger'. About 14 sub-brands of the company have been merged into eight under the new range.Lewis Berger will finally have brands like Rangoli, Weather Coat Silk, Walmasta, Luxol, Bison, Wood keeper and Tuff.Named after the founder of the company, Lewis Berger encompasses a series of significant changes aimed at an overall brand upgrade.These include an improvement in the paint quality, packaging design, printing on the containers and cartons, the aesthetics of the paint outlets across the country and the quality of services given to the customers.Another pioneering initiative taken by the company is the introduction of warranty on cans. Additionally, the company will undertake a major human resource exercise, which will involve educating and motivating its employees and dealers to pass on the Lewis Berger brand ethos to the consumers. With the festive season just around the corner, the re branding initiative is aimed at strengthening the company's position in the premium paints segment "While we occupy 18-19 per cent share in the overall paints market, our share in the premium segment is 12-13 per cent. We hope to bridge this difference with the re-branding exercise and expect to achieve 1-2 per cent compounded growth in the segment," said Subir Bose, managing director, Berger Paints India Limited. Bose said, "The top-end paints category constitutes about 10-20 per cent of the total paints market in the country and has a huge potential for growth."