On 7 May 2025, Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. (SRI) finalised its acquisition of the trademark and other rights to the Dunlop brand for the four-wheel vehicle segment in Europe, North America, and Oceania. SRI paid The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company US$526 million for the Dunlop brand, $105 million for a transition support fee, including the transition of customers in Europe, and $104 million for inventory.
Bond International has completed the acquisition of Tyresoft Ltd. The news follows the acquisition of Tyrescope earlier this month and a number of strategic wholesale moves announced last year. Together, the acquisitions demonstrate that the company’s growth strategy is still ongoing. Tyresoft Ltd has become well-known as a “one stop complete management system for the tyre and automotive industry”, according to Bond International. Established in 2011 by Marcus Hathaway, the business has grown a strong customer base with Bond representatives describing it as “a market leader in the tyre industry software market”.
Pirelli and fast-growing northern European retail network CTS have signed long-term strategic partnership designed to enable Pirelli to “strengthen its commercial presence and high value strategy in the region” and CTS to “further strengthen its ability to serve customers throughout Sweden”. In short, CTS will acquire Däckia AB company, Pirelli’s Swedish tyre retail network consisting of 60 direct points of sale and 42 affiliates.
At the start of the year Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI) confirmed its intention to acquire the Dunlop tyre brand from The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, and since that time we’ve awaited official approval from competition authorities. Earlier this month, the European Commission gave its blessing.
Bond International has completed the acquisition of 75 per cent of Tyrescope Ltd’s shares. This follows a brace of whole and distribution acquisitions announced last year, which suggests the company remains in the midst of its growth strategy. Tyrescope was set up and developed by Tony Mann, who remains a 25 per cent shareholder and managing director of the business.
Polish tyre recycling specialist Recykl has achieved a milestone with the signing of its first international M&A transaction. The deal sees the company acquire a 100 per cent shareholding in Lithuania’s UAB Antrinio perdirbimo grupė (APG), which with an annual volume of 20,000 tonnes is the largest used tyre collector and processor in the Baltic States region. APG operates under the name Tirebee Recycling.
Best Autocentres has acquired The Tyrebarn Ltd. Since its inception in February 2004, Best Autocentres has aimed to address the shortcomings of large national fast-fit chains and main dealers. What began as a single location has since expanded to include thriving centres in Eastleigh and Totton.
ADR UK Tyremart Ltd, a subsidiary of ADR Group that makes off-road vehicle axles and suspension systems, has acquired The British Rubber Company (BRC), a wheel and tyre retailer and wholesaler with a 98-year legacy.
For ADR, the purchase “marks a significant milestone in [its] strategic expansion…” that is designed to help the business “unlock new opportunities and create unparalleled synergies within the industry”.
Manchester-based Eternity Technologies, which was founded by the Al-Dobowi Group and is owned by members of the Kandhari family, has acquired the production facility of EnerSys India Batteries Private Limited, located in Vijayawada, India.
According to the company, this strategic investment “reinforces Eternity Technologies’ commitment to India’s rapidly expanding economy and the increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions in logistics, power, and energy storage sectors.”
Just hours after Goodyear Tire & Rubber and Yokohama Rubber confirmed the completion of the sale of Goodyear OTR to the Japanese tyremaker for around $905 million, Goodyear detailed how the funds are being used. The largest part sees Goodyear pay-back $500 million of 9.5% interest-bearing bonds due this year.
TD Tyres Limited has announce the acquisition of Dawson Tyre Services Limited, which specialises in servicing commercial fleet operations and is based in Redditch, Worcestershire. According to TD Tyres representatives, the acquisition is set to “expand the reach of TD Tyres across the Midlands and Southwest”, adding to the company’s existing locations near Newton Abbot, Devon, and Staunton, Gloucestershire. The move will also help TD Tyres “cement their presence along the M5 corridor”, meaning the business will be well situated for servicing commercial fleets in the region. Directors Tim Davis and Adam Fletcher will form part of the new management team at Dawson Tyres alongside Vanessa Dawson.
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has completed the previously announced sale of its off-the-road (OTR) tyre business to The Yokohama Rubber Company Ltd, effective 3 February 2025, in an all-cash transaction valued at $905 million. The two companies’ deal was initially announced on 22 July 2024. For its part, Goodyear intends to use transaction proceeds to reduce leverage and fund initiatives in connection with the Goodyear Forward transformation plan. Yokohama Rubber plans to include the acquired business in its consolidated results from the first quarter of 2025 and is currently examining the addition’s estimated impact on consolidated earnings.
Knorr-Bremse, global market leader for braking systems and a leading supplier of other rail and commercial vehicle systems, has completed the sale of its subsidiary GT Emissions Systems to Rcapital Partners, a private equity fund from the UK. GT Emissions Systems, based in the Durham town of Peterlee, supplies emission control systems for diesel engines in on-highway commercial vehicles and off-highway vehicles. The transaction closed on 22 January.
Martins Industries has acquired the ABC American Balancing Corp brand, which specializes in tyre balancing beads. According to the company, “this strategic acquisition marks a new step in the diversification and expansion of Martins’ product offering.”
Following its acquisition of Dunlop from Goodyear, Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI) has detailed how it plans to deploy a new “dual-brand” strategy, with Dunlop positioned as its “core” and “premium” global tyre brand. SRI was always the front-runner to acquire the brand since it already operates Dunlop in various market segments. While Dunlop rights remain somewhat complex thanks to Goodyear holding on to such segments as Dunlop-branded motorcycle tyres in Europe and Oceania, SRI will now have an almost global focal point in the four-wheel car tyre segment (the deal excludes India, Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei in this segment). By adding the Europe, North America, and Oceania regions to its four-wheel Dunlop business, SRI wants to advance “premiumisation globally through differentiated products and enhancing brand strength” via the brand’s sporting heritage.
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