Hexpol completed the 48 million euro acquisition of 100 per cent of Unión de Industrias C.A., S.A. (Unica) from Espiga Capital, a Spanish based Private Equity firm on 7 July 2021. Unica’s turnover in 2020 amounted to 40 million euros, with a profitability “below Hexpol Group”, according to the business’s new owner. Unica will be consolidated into Hexpol from 1 July.
After a turbulent few years, tyre industry supplier, Nynas AB has changed hands again signing a binding agreement with an investment vehicle managed by Davidson Kempner Capital Management LP for the acquisition of the entire equity stake (49.9%) in Nynas from Bitumina Industries Limited, making it the largest individual shareholder of Nynas.
Skelmersdale headquartered tyre management specialist DTM, which is backed by Palatine Private Equity, has acquired TyreWatch, Europe’s market-leading provider of real-time tyre monitoring technology. Based in Basingstoke, TyreWatch provides digital tyre management services to monitor and manage the wheels and tyres of HGVs and public service vehicles. Established in 2017, it has grown to support clients across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Australia.
Wheelwright Limited’s management team recently acquired the company from previous managing director Kevin Greer through a management buyout process. According to the company, “this means that Wheelwright Limited is now owned and operated by the same team of experienced enthusiasts that helped the Kent-based company achieve its existing position as the country’s leading supplier of aftermarket wheels and chassis-related products.”
Cooper Tire has “officially joined the Goodyear team”. That’s how Cooper Tire general manager EMEA, Jaap Van Wessum characterised the takeover of the company by fellow US tyremaker Goodyear, which was completed on 7 June 2021. Van Wessum also offered further details of what Cooper’s integration into Goodyear means for Cooper suppliers and partners.
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has confirmed that it has completed its acquisition of Cooper Tire & Rubber Company, finalizing the merger agreement announced on 22 February 2021. The announcement brought with it one or two more hints of how the synergisation of the two businesses might work.
Mahansaria Tyres Private Limited (MTPL) has made an agreement in-principle with Tyres International Inc (TI) to buy a majority stake in the US-based tyre wholesaler. According to MTPL, the move is the latest part of its bid to build a global, market leading off-Highway tyre business and the first part of MTPL plans to build its distribution network in North America.
Italmatic has announced the acquisition of Roverto, Italy-based Go Energy Srl (previously SD Meccanica), a specialist in the field of tyre manufacturing robotics. The acquisition adds to Italmatic’s status as a global leader in terms of technology and comprehensiveness of the range of machinery and accessories it offers the tyre retreading and repair industries.
On 6 May 2021 Yokohama Europe GmbH, signed an agreement to acquire 100 per cent of Poland’s ITR CEE Spółka z.o.o., a wholesale distributor engaged in the import and sale of Yokohama tyres in central and eastern Europe. The acquisition is scheduled to be concluded on 14 May 2021, after which the Polish company’s name will be changed to Yokohama CEE Spółka z.o.o.
At the end of April, Brembo agreed to buy 100 per cent of J.Juan Group, a Spanish company specialising in the development and production of motorbike braking systems, for 70 million euros. The acquisition is expected to close in the second half of 2021 following regulatory approvals.
Cooper shareholders approve proposed merger with Goodyear Cooper Tire & Rubber Company’s stockholders have voted overwhelmingly to approve the planned merger with The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. The vote was held at a special meeting of Cooper stockholders today. Cooper reports that approximately 99 per cent of votes cast were in favour of the transaction. Read our coverage of Goodyear’s acquisition of Cooper here, or in our special 12-page e-paper supplement.
Bridgestone is to acquire the Otraco OTR tyre management solutions business from Downer EDI, continuing its growth strategy. The acquisition will be made by the number one tyre manufacturer’s group company, Bridgestone Mining Solutions Australia Pty. Ltd. Bridgestone said the acquisition will accelerate the growth of its global mining solutions business and expand the company’s service network in key markets such as Australia, Chile and South Africa. Bridgestone wants to complete the transaction, valued at 79 million Australian dollars (approximately £44 million), by the end of 2021.
The largest player in the USA’S tyre recycling sector will soon have a new owner. Global investment firm The Carlyle Group has agreed to sell Liberty Tire Recycling to ECP, a 2005-founded investor across energy transition and decarbonisation infrastructure assets. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2021. The parties have not disclosed financial details.
Northern Ireland-based Kerr’s Tyres Group has bought MW Tyres & Exhausts for an undisclosed sum. MW Tyres & Exhausts has been rebranded as MW Tyres & Auto and will now offer the 24/7 365 UK & Ireland coverage offered by Kerr’s Tyres Group. As a result of the acquisition, Kerrs Group now operates from 12 sites in Northern Ireland and four sites in the Greater Dublin region. Look out for our May edition to see how this affects Kerr’s Tyres’ position in our annual tyre retail ranking.
Nynas
Edward Moss Photography
Cooper Tire
Italmatic
EMIS
Brembo