Bekaert buys Bridgestone‘s tyre cord plants in China and Thailand for €60m, adding approximately €80 million to its annual sales.
Bekaert Set to Add €80 Million in Annual Sales with Bridgestone Deal
Belgian steel wire manufacturer Bekaert has agreed to acquire Bridgestone‘s tyre reinforcement business in China and Thailand. The deal includes the transfer of two captive tyre cord manufacturing facilities and a long-term supply agreement between the two companies.
The transaction covers Bridgestone‘s tyre cord production sites in Shenyang, China, operated as Bridgestone (Shenyang) Steel Cord Co., Ltd, and in Thailand, operated as Bridgestone Metalpha (Thailand) Co., Ltd. The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals, and is estimated to add approximately €80 million (£69.75 million) to Bekaert‘s consolidated annual sales. The cash consideration of €60 million (£52.31 million) will be funded from the existing cash balance.
Bekaert‘s Rubber Reinforcement division, the largest within the group, has been active in the global tyre reinforcement market for more than 70 years. The company said the acquisition expands its position in the tyre cord market, reinforces its global manufacturing footprint, and deepens its existing strategic relationship with Bridgestone.
Bekaert chief executive Yves Kerstens said, “Bekaert and Bridgestone share a long-standing strategic partnership built on mutual trust and collaboration. When the transaction closes, we are delighted to welcome the plant teams to Bekaert and remain committed to joint growth and innovation with Bridgestone. The acquisition is also a clear signal of strengthening our global leadership position in the tyre reinforcement industry.”
Bridgestone said the divestment forms part of its strategy to enhance competitiveness over the medium to long term by leveraging collaboration with global partners.
