Global apparel company VF Corporation has agreed to establish a joint venture with Arvind Mills, Ltd. to design, market and distribute VF branded products in India. The joint venture, VF Arvind Brands Private Ltd., will initially encompass VF's Lee, Wrangler, Nautica, JanSport and Kipling brands, which were previously marketed under licensing and distribution agreements with Arvind Fashions, a subsidiary of Arvind Mills, Ltd. VF will own 60% of the joint venture, and Arvind Mills, Ltd. will own 40%.

Darshan Mehta has been named CEO of the new venture, which will be headquartered in Bangalore, India, and will have approximately 180 employees.

VF's wholesale business in India is approximately $40 million annually and is expected to grow more than 25% per year, excluding the addition of further VF brands.