The Yokohama Rubber Co Ltd has entered into a share purchase agreement with the Swedish-based Trelleborg AB to acquire all outstanding shares of Trelleborg Wheel Systems Holding AB (TWS), a company engaged in the manufacture and sale of off-highway tyres (OHT) for agricultural and industrial machinery. TWS’s enterprise value is EUR 2,040 million. 

Yokohama Rubber said in a statement that the acquisition is scheduled to be completed in the latter half of 2022. The acquisition’s impact on Yokohama Rubber’s consolidated financial results is currently under examination, it said. 

Yokohama Rubber is currently implementing its Yokohama Transformation 2023 (YX2023) medium-term management plan for fiscal years 2021–2023.  

The TWS acquisition will contribute to the expansion of Yokohama Rubber’s OHT business, which YX2023 has positioned as a future growth driver for the company’s commercial tyre business. The ratio of consumer tyres to commercial tyres in today’s global tyre market is 1:1, but Yokohama Rubber’s tyre business sales are more heavily weighted toward consumer tyres, with a 2:1 ratio versus commercial tyres, the release pointed out. To bring the sales composition of its tyre business more in line with the overall market and secure the business’ stability and earnings growth, one of the key challenges facing Yokohama Rubber’s commercial tyre business is the growth of an OHT business capable of securing stably high earnings. The TWS acquisition will not only help Yokohama Rubber’s tyre business achieve a more optimal sales composition, but it will also strengthen the company’s commercial tyre business in each of the four thematic areas set forth in YX2023—product lineup, cost, service, and DX, the company said. 

TWS sales in fiscal 2021 totalled about YEN 129.0 billion, accounting for about 30 per cent of Trelleborg AB’s consolidated sales. Over the past 10 years, TWS has expanded its sales by 2.6 times and more than tripled EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes). While expanding sales it has sustained stably high profitability, with its EBIT ratio continuously above 10 per cent, the release said. 

Of tyres manufactured and sold by TWS, agricultural tyres account for about 60 per cent and industrial tyres about 20 per cent, with the remainder being tyres for construction machinery and motorcycles. TWS has 14 manufacturing plants in nine countries — seven in Europe (Italy, Latvia, Serbia, Slovenia, and three in the Czech Republic), two in the United States, one in Brazil, and four in Asia (two in China and two in Sri Lanka). About 70 per cent of its sales are in Europe. (TT)

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

The Goodyear Blimp has redefined its century-long legacy of hovering over major pop culture moments by hosting a first-of-its-kind music festival inside an airship hangar. Dubbed BANGR at the HANGR, the event marked the brand’s second annual birthday celebration, transforming the massive space into a high-energy bash.

Festivalgoers experienced a series of exclusive attractions, including a ride aboard the Wingfoot One blimp itself. A headlining DJ set from Noizu was delivered from a stage built with Goodyear tyres, while guests also browsed signature merchandise and attended an after-party in a uniquely blimp-worthy atmosphere.

The event featured an eclectic roster of attendees, from nostalgic mascots to local sports icons. Participants included the Care Bears, puppies from Kind Paw Rescue wearing Fi GPS wearables, the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, an inflatable Flo from Progressive, Rainforest Cafe’s Cha! Cha! The Tree Frog, Geoffrey from Toys“R”Us and Vita Coco’s Coco Man.

Swensons Drive-In also made an appearance, alongside Ohio-based sports mascots such as Chomps from the Cleveland Browns, Flash from Kent State University and Zippy from the University of Akron. From chaotic dance floor moments to oversized photo opportunities, the birthday celebration was a blend of fun and charm as intended by the high-flying guest of honour.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Hankook Tire moved to accelerate its market expansion in the United Arab Emirates by hosting the ‘Laufenn Partner Event’ on 21 May. The company collaborated with its official UAE distributor, Gulf Coasts Co L.L.C., a well-established player in the Middle Eastern automotive sector.

Over 150 regional wholesalers, retailers, dealers, fleet customers and executives from Hankook Tire’s Middle East and Africa Division attended the gathering. The event served to share strategic plans for growing Laufenn’s presence in the UAE, leveraging Gulf Coasts’ advanced logistics and technical workforce to solidify Hankook’s business influence.

The programme highlighted Laufenn’s high-performance passenger car and SUV tyre lineups, including the new EV-compatible LK12 model, which promises improved performance, handling, stability and longer mileage. A brand session unveiled the strategic roadmap for the UAE, followed by a business conference aimed at maximising partner collaboration.

Jong Woo Kim, Vice President and Head of the MEA Division at Hankook Tire & Technology, said, "Based on the strong distribution synergy with Gulf Coasts, we will rapidly expand Laufenn's footprint in the UAE market. By delivering Laufenn's value-conscious strategy, which is anchored in Hankook Tire's global top-tier technology and strict quality standards, we are committed to driving sustainable, mutual growth alongside our local partners."

Hamed Ghaedi, Managing Director, Gulf Coasts Co L.L.C, said, "We are tremendously excited to lead the official distribution of Laufenn, a global brand engineered by Hankook Tire. Moving forward, we will fully activate our channels, combined with our robust sales force, to maximise Laufenn's market visibility and deliver meaningful commercial outcomes across the UAE."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Sun Auto Tire & Service has advanced its strategic expansion in the Midwest by opening a new Plaza Tire Service location in Collinsville, Illinois. This addition strengthens the company’s footprint on the east side of the greater St. Louis area and represents Sun Auto’s 17th store in the state.

With more than six decades of service in the Midwest and a reputation as the Quick Change Artist, Plaza Tire Service continues to emphasise trust and dependable service. Situated at 1501 Golfview Drive near the Orchards Shopping Center and just off Belt Line Road, the new Collinsville store reinforces Plaza Tire Service's commitment to delivering best‑in‑class automotive service and top tyre brands backed by Sun Auto’s price match guarantee.

Sun Auto Network continues to grow nationwide through both strategic acquisitions and new‑build locations, now operating over 575 stores across the country.

Rob Kingery, Regional Vice President, Operations, said, "The greater St. Louis market remains a priority in our growth strategy. This location enhances Plaza Tire Service regional coverage and reinforces our commitment to covering customers in the Midwest."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Continental has officially transferred ownership of its French service and distribution arm, ContiTrade France, to the investment firm ASC Investment. The planned sale, first revealed by the company in December 2025, has now been completed. Under ASC’s management, the business is expected to gain flexibility and operate more nimbly, helping it retain existing clientele while attracting new customers with a specialised tyre and service lineup.

The deal encompasses over 130 corporate BestDrive outlets, two retreading centres and all associated administrative support for the tyre and repair business, employing approximately 1,200 people. Although sold, all service points will stay within Continental’s BestDrive France network through franchise arrangements. Both sides have chosen to keep the purchase price and other financial specifics confidential.

ASC Investment, with offices in Luxembourg and Munich, focuses on European corporate carve-outs and succession opportunities. Its leadership team brings decades of industry experience, aiming to boost performance in acquired companies through operational refinements rather than structural overhauls.

Véronique Giraud, head of Continental’s tyre business in France, said, “We are proud to support a franchise network of more than 200 BestDrive outlets throughout France. With our strong brand and longstanding expertise in the tyre and vehicle services business, we remain fully committed to supporting all our franchisees, helping them grow their businesses and realise their full market potential.”

Frederic Hierl, Managing Director, ASC, said, “We would like to thank Continental for its trust and excellent collaboration over the past few months, as well as for its confidence that we are the right partner for the long-term development of 130 BestDrive branches in France. Having signed a long-term franchise agreement, we look forward to being a reliable, agile partner for our customers and suppliers while continuing to be an important partner for Continental France in the years ahead.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!