Brembo, the iconic Italian brake manufacturer, has just struck a monumental deal to acquire suspension specialist Öhlins Racing for a whopping $405 million, making it the largest acquisition in Brembo’s history. The purchase is currently pending regulatory approval, which is expected to be finalized by 2025. If everything goes according to plan, the acquisition will significantly expand Brembo’s presence in the automotive performance market, solidifying its status as a global powerhouse in the industry.
Öhlins Racing, headquartered in Stockholm, is renowned for its high-performance suspension systems used in both cars and motorcycles, catering to street and racing applications alike. Founded in 1976, the company operates two manufacturing facilities in Sweden and Thailand, along with R&D centers in both locations. Additionally, it has distribution and testing centers spread across Sweden, Thailand, Germany, and the United States, employing roughly 500 people globally.
Tom Wittenschlaeger, CEO of Öhlins Racing, expressed enthusiasm about the merger, stating, “As we join forces with Brembo, we are excited to unlock new growth opportunities and leverage our respective strengths and assets to drive innovation and deliver even greater value to our customers and employees.”
Brembo’s move to acquire Öhlins aligns with its recent expansion strategy, which includes the 2021 acquisition of SBS Friction to integrate motorcycle and ATV brake components into its product line. The company has also announced a new production facility in Thailand earlier this year, demonstrating its commitment to expanding its global footprint.
Brembo’s Executive Chairman Matteo Tiraboschi highlighted the strategic fit of Öhlins within Brembo’s broader vision. “Öhlins is a strong fit for Brembo,” said Tiraboschi. “It is a world-renowned brand with a solid business and an unrivaled reputation, both on the racetrack and the road. We welcome Öhlins to our Group as a great opportunity to expand our offerings for the automotive market. With this addition, we take another step forward in our strategy to provide integrated intelligent solutions to our customers, leveraging synergies across key technologies in the vehicle’s corner.”
As the automotive industry continues to push the boundaries of innovation and technology, this acquisition positions Brembo to capitalize on integrated performance solutions, combining its expertise in braking systems with Öhlins’ prowess in suspension technology. The industry will be watching closely as regulatory approvals move forward and the two giants prepare to join forces by 2025.
