In an interview with the German publication Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Conti boss Kessel said that Pirelli would be an ideal partner for the tyre business, as this would produce significant synergies. To date, there has been no contact with the Italians over this matter.n According to Kessel, Continental need not fear any possible hostile takeover attempt because the car manufacturers would be very interested in maintaining competent and independent suppliers. In addition, the company could rely on strong backing from its individual important shareholders, such as Deutsche Bank, Dresdner Bank and Allianz insurance company, which together hold 16%. Kessel did not mention the fact that, in light of the low stock price, analysts had changed their minds last week and that most, if not all, of them do not regard Continental shares as a “buy” any longer. Hard times for Continental!