Monday, January 13, 2025

Goodyear has fully sold its entire stake in Dunlop to Sumitomo, which already owns the brand's motorcycle tire company.

Goodyear has fully sold its entire stake in Dunlop to Sumitomo, which already owns the brand's motorcycle tire company.

Goodyear, Dunlop, and Sumitomo's history goes way back. 

Sumitomo had acquired the Dunlop rights to the Dunlop name, as well as the rights to manufacture and market Dunlops in 1985. 

But in that deal, it didn't acquire the actual company. It was only later that Goodyear and Sumitomo struck a deal allowing the former company to use the name and sell the tires under its auspices, though Goodyear had to purchase 75% of Sumitomo's North American and European businesses.

But, in 2014, Goodyear alleged that Sumitomo was engaging in anti-competitive practices and dissolved the partnership.

 This is why in 2015 Sumitomo reacquired Dunlop's entire motorcycle tire division from Goodyear. However, as of this month, Sumitomo has struck another deal with Goodyear to fully acquire the Dunlop business, including manufacturing the tires itself.

1 comment:

  1. Sumitomo closed it's plant in Tonowanda NY without warning in November, which was originally a joint venture with Goodyear/Dunlop resulting in over 1500 jobs lost.

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