Test Industry Buys Two German Companies

Continental Plans To List Automotive Business As Independent Company

Test Industry, a company in the portfolio of the fund IGI Investimenti Sei (IGI Private Equity), has announced its entry into the German market by acquiring two companies -- TS TestingService GmbH and TS Gim GmbH, both belonging to the TS Group GmbH. 

With the acquisitions, Test Industry has boosted its international market for the design and production of test benches for industrial, end-of-line and laboratory testing, with a particular focus on hydraulics, mechanics, automotive and aerospace sectors, the company said in a statement. 

Besides, the group's turnover is expected to be more than EUR 50 million, compared to a turnover of about EUR 35 million in 2021. It will also consolidate its strategic value in automotive and aerospace testing. 

The test benches for transmission shafts, core business of TS GiM, will expand the Bimal product range, while the wheel and tyre test benches, the core business of TS TestingService, will reinforce and integrate the Leonardo product line positioning, the release said. 

The company said the transaction will also enhance the levels of service and after-sales by the Test Industry group to German customers, as well as strengthening its commercial presence in the Far East, particularly in China, India and South Korea. 

Paolo Mastrostefano, CEO, Test Industry, said, "The double acquisition will allow Test Industry to grow internationally and establish itself in new European markets. Now we can focus on a greater reinforcement and organisation of management so as to adequately support the company's growth path.  

Angelo Mastrandrea, partner of IGI Private Equity and Group President, said, “The IGI fund with the support of all the financial and industrial shareholders of the group, has always believed in the growth and enhancement of the company because it considers Test Industry as having the perfect know-how to become an Italian excellence abroad. Now the goal is to consolidate results and continue on the path of further growth, both internally and through new acquisitions." 

Following the deal, the investment vehicle Thalia, with the shareholders IGI Investimenti Sei and BNG Holding, holds around 42 percent of the share capital of Test Industry, Equilybra and GMN hold 18 percent and 23 percent respectively, while the management has a 17 percent share, the release added. (TT)

Apollo Tyres Names Mondelez Executive Mahalakshmi Ramaswami As New CHRO

Mahalakshmi Ramaswami

Gurugram-headquartered tyre major Apollo Tyres has announced the appointment of Mahalakshmi Ramaswami as its new Chief Human Resources Officer, effective immediately, the company said in a regulatory filing.

Ramaswami’s appointment was approved by the board of directors following a recommendation from the Nomination and Remuneration Committee.

Prior to joining Apollo Tyres, she most recently served as the Head of HR for the Southeast Asia Cluster based in Singapore at Mondelez International.

She brings over two decades of experience across multinational organisations spanning fast-moving consumer goods, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals and consulting sectors.

During her tenure at Mondelez, Ramaswami is credited to have a played pivotal role as the HR Director for India Region in the business turnaround by aligning people strategy with organisational objectives.

She also has held leadership roles at prominent Indian and multinational companies including Bharti Group, Ranbaxy, Ballarpur Industries and EY.

Ramaswami holds an MBA from IMT Ghaziabad and a Bachelor’s degree in Physics (Hons.) from Delhi University.

On the other hand, as part of the Management Restructuring at Apollo Tyres, Dipankar Ghosh, Group Head of HR Business Partnership for Manufacturing & Projects, will no longer be part of the senior management structure as defined under securities regulations, effective 16 July.

The restructuring reflects Apollo Tyres’ strategic focus on strengthening its human capital capabilities as the company navigates competitive pressures in both domestic and international markets.

Bridgestone India Presents European Alignment Certificate To ARAI For Rolling Resistance Lab Achievement

Bridgestone India Presents European Alignment Certificate To ARAI For Rolling Resistance Lab Achievement

Bridgestone India has presented the European Alignment Certificate to the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), recognising the successful completion of their Rolling Resistance (RR) Lab Alignment. The certificate was presented to Dr Reji Mathai, Director of ARAI, by Rajarshi Moitra, Deputy Managing Director of Bridgestone India, during a ceremony attended by senior leaders from both organisations.

This milestone strengthens the partnership between Bridgestone and ARAI, India’s leading automotive R&D institution for testing and standardisation. Rolling resistance plays a crucial role in enhancing fuel efficiency, aligning with both organisations’ commitment to advancing tyre technology. The certification underscores their shared dedication to fostering innovation, improving testing capabilities and promoting sustainable mobility solutions in India.

Yokohama Rubber Achieves 21-Year Streak On FTSE4Good ESG Index

Yokohama Rubber has been recognised for its sustainability leadership with continued inclusion in three prestigious FTSE Russell ESG indexes. The company marks its 21st consecutive year on the FTSE4Good Index Series, a global benchmark for responsible investing. Additionally, it maintains its ninth straight year on the FTSE Blossom Japan Index and fourth year on the FTSE Blossom Japan Sector Relative Index – both key indicators of Japanese ESG excellence endorsed by Japan's Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF).

These indexes, developed by London Stock Exchange Group's FTSE Russell, help investors identify companies with strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance. Yokohama Rubber's sustained inclusion reflects its long-term commitment to sustainable business practices.

Hankook Tire Supports 2025 Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia Round 4

The fourth round of the 2025 Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia Series, a racing competition hosted by Italian supercar brand Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A and powered by Hankook Tire, will take place from 18 to 20 July at INJE SPEEDIUM in Gangwon Province. As the exclusive tyre supplier, Hankook Tire continues to elevate Korean motorsports through its partnership with Lamborghini, showcasing its high-performance Ventus racing tyres on the Huracán Super Trofeo EVO2.

The 3.91-km INJE SPEEDIUM circuit, featuring 19 corners and a 40-metre elevation change, demands exceptional tyre performance under extreme conditions, including high-speed straights and scorching summer temperatures. Hankook’s Ventus tyres are engineered to deliver superior grip, durability and heat resistance, ensuring peak performance in challenging racing environments.

Beyond the races, Hankook will host the ‘Ventus Experience’, inviting European automotive influencers to test the Ventus Super Sports line and explore its advanced R&D facilities.

The 2025 Lamborghini Super Trofeo spans Asia, Europe and North America, with six rounds per series. Top contenders will advance to the Grand Final in Misano, Italy, this November, competing for the season championship.