Brembo, after the stop to Pirelli there is a maxi-acquisition

Brembo abandons the track Pirelli & C but does not put aside the strategy of product integration and diversification, and finalises the main acquisition of its history in another segment (besides tyres) complementary to that of braking systems: suspension. The Bergamo-based company has acquired for USD 405 million (EUR 370 million at current exchange rates) 100% of the Swedish Öhlins Racing, active, with 500 employees and two production sites in Sweden and Thailand, in the production of premium suspension for motorbikes and cars in the original equipment, motorsport and aftermarket segments.

"Öhlins is perfect for Brembo," explains Executive Chairman Matteo Tiraboschi, "It is a brand that is recognised worldwide, with a solid business and an unrivalled reputation, both on the track and on the road. The entry of Öhlins into the Group is a great opportunity to expand our offer for the automotive market. With this acquisition, we take a further step forward in our strategy to provide intelligent, integrated solutions to customers, exploiting the synergies between the main technologies for the vehicle corner," i.e. the three main components besides the engine: brakes, tyres and suspension.

Having abandoned the dream of a made-in-Italy tyre-brake integration, the company has tightened its grip on suspensions. The operation concerns a dossier that had probably been on the radar for some time, but the timing, even if only symbolically, is a clear signal to the market, which in fact reacted positively to the news, returning to the 10 euro mark at the opening.

This transaction is, as mentioned, the largest acquisition in Brembo's history. The consideration for the transaction, subject to the usual adjustment mechanisms expected for similar transactions will be paid using available cash. Closing is expected early next year.

The acquisition comes on the heels of other investments that, in recent years, have substantially completed Brembo's portfolio of offerings in braking systems for two-wheelers. In 2021, in particular, the Group acquiredSBS Friction in Denmark and J.Juan in Spain. In February of this year, Brembo also announced its entry into Thailand with a new production site dedicated to braking systems for motorbike manufacturers, which has the potential to expand (and the presence of the newly acquired company in Thailand may be an important connection from this point of view). Brembo also controls Marchesini, a brand that designs, manufactures and markets light alloy wheels for racing and road motorbikes. The two-wheel business is now worth about 13% of Brembo's total revenues.