Mumbai: Arun Nanda, Executive Director, Mahindra & Mahindra has been conferred the award of "Chevallier de la Legion d’Honneur"; by the President of the French Republic, Mr. Nicholas SARKOZY.

In a letter to Mr. Nanda informing him of the award, the French Ambassador to India, Mr. Jerome BONNAFONT said, 'I warmly congratulate you for this distinction, which is a recognition of your remarkable career in the business community in Mumbai and of the part you took in the establishment of the partnership between Mahindra and Renault. But above all, it is your performance as President of the Indo French Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the efficiency which you have restored in this association, that the French President wishes to pay tribute by conferring this distinction to you.'

Commenting on the conferment of the French order Mr. Arun Nanda, Executive Director & President Infrastructure, The Mahindra Group said, 'It is indeed a great honour to be considered worthy of the ‘Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur’. It was truly my privilege to be a part of the Mahindra group for the last 35 years which has given me the platform to build the French connection. French industry and Indian corporates have some distinctive synergies, which could prove highly beneficial for both the countries if exploited to their optimum potential.'

Mr. Arun Nanda will be presented with the Order at a ceremony in Mumbai at a date to be announced.

In an apt recognition of the Mahindra Group’s contribution to India’s business and cultural ties with France, in 1987 Mr. Keshub Mahindra was also awarded the Chevalier de la Legion d'honneur by the French government.

About The Mahindra Group

The US $6 billion Mahindra Group is among the top 10 industrial houses in India. Mahindra & Mahindra is the only Indian company among the top tractor brands in the world. Mahindra’s Farm Equipment Sector has recently won the Japan Quality Medal, the only tractor company worldwide to be bestowed this honour. It also holds the distinction of being the only tractor company worldwide to win the Deming Prize. Mahindra is the market leader in multi-utility vehicles in India. It made a milestone entry into the passenger car segment with the Logan.

The Group has a leading presence in key sectors of the Indian economy, including the financial services, trade and logistics, automotive components, information technology, and infrastructure development.

With over 62 years of manufacturing experience, the Mahindra Group has built a strong base in technology, engineering, marketing and distribution which are key to its evolution as a customer- centric organization. The Group employs over 50,000 people and has several state-of-the-art facilities in India and overseas.

The Mahindra Group has ambitious global aspirations and has a presence on five continents. Mahindra products are today available on every continent except Antarctica. M&M has one tractor manufacturing plant in China, three assembly plants in the United States and one at Brisbane, Australia. It has made strategic acquisitions across the globe including Stokes Forgings (UK), Jeco Holding AG (Germany) and Schoneweiss & Co GmbH (Germany). Its global subsidiaries include Mahindra Europe Srl. based in Italy, Mahindra USA Inc. and Mahindra South Africa.

M&M has entered into partnerships with international companies like Renault SA, France, and International Truck and Engine Corporation, USA. Forbes has ranked the Mahindra Group in its Top 200 list of the World’s Most Reputable Companies and in the Top 10 list of Most Reputable Indian companies. Mahindra has recently been honoured with the Bombay Chamber Good Corporate Citizen Award for 2006-07.

Jeco Holding AG (Germany) and Schoneweiss & Co GmbH (Germany). Its global subsidiaries include Mahindra Europe Srl. based in Italy, Mahindra USA Inc. and Mahindra South Africa. M&M has entered into partnerships with international companies like Renault SA, France, and International Truck and Engine Corporation, USA. Forbes has ranked the Mahindra Group in its Top 200 list of the World’s Most Reputable Companies and in the Top 10 list of Most Reputable Indian companies. Mahindra has recently been honoured with the Bombay Chamber Good Corporate Citizen Award for 2006-07.