Brembo sells stake in Pirelli and acquires Öhlins for 370 million euros. Photos: Divulgação
In a surprising move announced on October 11, 2024, the Italian automotive components giant Brembo sold its stake in Pirelli and acquired Öhlins Racing AB for 370 million euros.
This unexpected transaction unites two leading international brands in the automotive industry: Brembo and Öhlins. The acquisition, which caught many industry observers by surprise, highlights Brembo’s strategic expansion in the high-performance automotive and motorcycle components market.
Brembo acquires 100% of Öhlins Racing
Italian company Brembo SpA acquired 100% of the shares of Swedish company Öhlins Racing AB for approximately 405 million USD, which is about 370 million euros at the current exchange rate. The deal was closed with the American company Tenneco, current owner of Öhlins, which is managed by investment firm Apollo Global Management. The acquisition is subject to antitrust regulatory approval and is expected to be completed by early 2025.
Öhlins is a globally recognized brand known for developing and manufacturing advanced suspension systems for motorcycles, cars, and other high-performance vehicles. With this acquisition, Brembo aims to consolidate its position as a leader in brake and suspension technology, creating a more comprehensive portfolio of high-performance components.
Strategic shift for Brembo after the sale of Pirelli shares
This acquisition follows Brembo’s recent decision to sell its shares in Italian tire manufacturer Pirelli. Since 2020, Brembo held around 6% of Pirelli’s shares, which were sold for an estimated 283 million euros. The capital raised from this sale was crucial for the recent acquisition, signaling a strategic reallocation of resources to strengthen its position in the automotive and motorsports sectors.
Founded in 1961 and based in Curno, Italy, Brembo is globally known for the high quality of its braking systems and components for cars and motorcycles. Over the years, the company has expanded its portfolio, establishing itself as a leader in braking technology through its original equipment manufacturing and strong presence in the racing sector. Brembo also owns the Indian subsidiary Bybre and previously acquired the Spanish brake brand J.Juan and the Italian wheel manufacturer Marchesini.
Strategic expansion in the suspension sector
With the integration of Öhlins, Brembo is now positioned to become a more complete supplier of high-performance vehicle systems, covering both braking and suspension components. The acquisition complements its existing product lineup and creates opportunities for R&D synergies between the two companies.
As the automotive industry moves toward electrification and high-performance applications, this move positions Brembo at the forefront of innovation, offering cutting-edge technology for both street and racing enthusiasts.
The industry will closely watch how Brembo leverages its new acquisition to expand its market influence and build a diversified portfolio in the competitive automotive sector.
This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
