Japan’s Yokohama Rubber Co has completed its purchase of Trelleborg Wheel Systems for 2.074 billion euros. The business, which included the Trelleborg, Mitas, Cultor and Maximo brands, will retain its existing organisational structure but will now trade as Yokohama TWS.
This acquisition enables Yokohama to consolidate its leading position among the world’s tyre producers to become a global leader in the off-highway tyre segment with the addition of Trelleborg, Mitas, Maximo, Cultor brands and Interfit service network to its portfolio. The company already controlled the Alliance, Galaxy and Primes brands.
In addition to tyres, the Yokohama Rubber Co is known for other rubber applications, such as conveyor belts, hoses and couplings, and fenders. With annual revenues of about six billion euros, it employs more than 28,000 people in more than 120 countries.
The former president of Trelleborg Wheel Systems, Paolo Pompei, who is now president and CEO of Yokohama TWS, said the deal closed a successful chapter in the business’ history with the Trelleborg Group.
“We have opened a new page with a leading player in the tyre industry that shares our values and vision for the future,” he added. “During the past few years we have delivered continuous business growth combining strategic acquisitions with dedicated investments, and this has allowed us to build a strong and sustainable platform supported by a global manufacturing footprint, innovative products and solutions and an extensive sales network in close proximity to our customers.
“I’m extremely proud of what the Trelleborg Wheel Systems team has been able to achieve so far, and we’re all honoured that Yokohama has decided to invest in us, building together with its existing business, a new leading player in the off-highway segment”.
