Japan’s Sumitomo Rubber Industries is set to obtain exclusive rights to use the Dunlop brand for tyres and related accessories in Malaysia and two neighbouring Southeast Asian markets, according to a report by Nikkei Asia.

At present, Continental Tyre Malaysia holds exclusive sub-licence rights to the Dunlop name in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei.

Financial terms of the agreement have not been made public.

Nikkei Asia, citing undisclosed sources, reported that the deal value is expected to be slightly below Y1bn (approximately $6.44m).

Once the transfer is completed, Sumitomo Rubber intends to launch Dunlop-branded tyre sales in the three countries from January next year, the report said.

"This signals Dunlop’s return to global prominence," Sumitomo Rubber president Satoru Yamamoto was quoted as saying during a briefing on the company’s brand strategy. "We’re rebuilding the Dunlop brand."

The move forms part of Sumitomo Rubber’s broader effort to consolidate its operations under a unified global brand.

In May, the company acquired rights from Goodyear Tire & Rubber in the US to use the Dunlop name across North America, Europe and Oceania.

Although the corporate name Sumitomo Rubber Industries will remain unchanged, the group plans to adopt Dunlop as the core identity in its brand communications from next year.

In some markets, the Dunlop name will also be added to dealer company names.

Following this latest agreement in Southeast Asia, India will remain the only market where Sumitomo Rubber does not control Dunlop branding for four-wheel vehicle tyres, as those rights are held by the Ruia Group.