Tuesday, 02 Feb 2010
Bekaert, worldwide technological and market leader in drawn wire products and advanced coatings, announced the acquisition of two Bridgestone tire cord plants and a multi year supply agreement.

The integration of the two plants will strengthen Bekaert's position in the tire cord market, while the long-term supply agreement further enhances Bekaert's status as an important external supplier of tire cord to Bridgestone.

Bekaert and Bridgestone signed an agreement for the purchase by Bekaert of BMI, Sardinia (Italy) and BSSH, Huizhou (Guangdong Province, China). The share deal includes all of the personnel and assets of the two manufacturing sites.

As part of this transaction, Bekaert and Bridgestone have entered into a long term supply agreement of tire cord to Bridgestone.

The transaction, with an enterprise value of approximately EUR 70 million, is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2010.

Mr Bert De Graeve CEO of Bekaert said “Bekaert has always enjoyed an outstanding relationship with Bridgestone. This agreement will lead to enhanced cooperation and supply with a leading customer and will significantly advance Bekaert's strategy of building and growing a global tire cord business.”