BREMBO BUYS SWEDISH SUSPENSION GIANT OHLINS FOR $405 MILLION

Brembo has been on a buying spree of the last few years, but they have focused on buying up smaller brake companies like Bybre, Breco, Marchesini, AP Racing, J.Juan, Braktec and SBS Friction. Ohlins has nothing to do with brakes, they are a high-end suspension manufacturer that competes in Formula 1, NASCAR, MotoGP, World Superbike, and MXGP. Brembo and Ohlins share an interest in racing as Brembo supplies OEM brake systems for motorcycles and automobiles, while Ohlins makes forks, shocks, steering dampers and other accessories.

Brembo announced this week that it plans to acquire the Swedish suspension company Ohlins for $405 million. Both companies are deeply entrenched in OEM parts, racing and the aftermarket, but this acquisition brings Brembo places it hasn’t been before.

Brembo’s executive chairman Matteo Tiraboschi said, “We welcome Ohlins to our Group as a great opportunity to expand our offerings. 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.”

Öhlins currently builds shock absorbers, front forks, steering dampers and various accessories. Like Brembo, it has a strong foothold in a number of racing series. You can find Ohlins components on vehicles in Formula 1, NASCAR, MotoGP, World Superbike and more.

“Road and Track” reported that Brembo reportedly raised cash for the outright acquisition of Ohlins by selling its 5.6 percent stake in Pirelli. The deal is not yet finalized but should be concluded sometime in 2025. Brembo will be acquired from its parent company Apollo Global Management-backed Tenneco.