2025 has turned into a year of strategic shift toward specialization, scale, and long-term competitiveness for the global tire industry.
From Off-the-Road (OTR) leaders to commercial tire players, companies are reshaping portfolios, strengthening positions in high-margin segments, expanding into off-highway tracks and compact construction equipment, and optimizing global manufacturing footprints.
Each deal signals a drive toward operational efficiency, market leadership, and readiness to seize emerging growth opportunities. Below is a snapshot of the key mergers and acquisitions shaping the industry this year, till date.
1. Yokohama Rubber Strengthens Its OTR Muscle with Goodyear’s Mining & Construction Tire Business
Yokohama’s acquisition of Goodyear’s Off-the-Road (OTR) tire division marks a significant shift in the global mining and construction tire market. The deal gives Yokohama access to Goodyear’s advanced technologies, strong brand equity, and portfolio of large and ultra-large OTR tires. It also broadens Yokohama’s manufacturing base and engineering capabilities in high-value OTR segments, strengthening its ability to support mines, quarries, and construction fleets with more specialised product lines.
This deal directly supports Yokohama’s ‘YX2026’ growth vision, expanding its production footprint, technical depth, and ability to serve mining and construction customers worldwide. With the acquired business integrated into its 2025 financials, Yokohama positions itself as a formidable global force in the high-value OTR arena.
2. CEAT Accelerates Its Global OHT Ambition with Acquisition of Michelin’s CAMSO Compact Line
This acquisition marks a milestone for CEAT – the Indian tire giant, and represents a major step in the group’s rise as a global Off-Highway Tire (OHT) player. The acquisition includes Sri Lanka’s Midigama and Kotugoda plants, access to over 40 global OEMs, and long-term rights to the CAMSO brand.
This acquisition not only diversifies CEAT beyond its strong agricultural portfolio but also secures Sri Lanka’s position as a significant OHT production hub with over US$171 million invested and 1,400+ jobs sustained. The deal solidifies CEAT’s long-term ambition to compete with the world’s top OHT manufacturers.
3. Sailun Strengthens Its Commercial Tire Position with Bridgestone’s $37 Million Shenyang TBR Plant Acquisition
Sailun’s acquisition of Bridgestone’s Shenyang TBR plant in China reinforces its strategic push in the commercial tire segment. The deal expands Sailun’s production capacity, strengthens its foothold in the TBR (Truck and Bus Radial) market, and aligns with its broader goal of enhancing scale and operational efficiency in key growth regions. Sailun and Bridgestone are leading APAC tire manufacturers, headquartered in China and Japan, respectively.
The $37 million deal marks Bridgestone’s strategic withdrawal from China’s commercial tire manufacturing landscape, while giving Sailun a valuable boost in capacity, infrastructure, and technical capabilities. With 100% ownership of the plant and access to its R&D and mold-development assets, Sailun is now positioned to scale faster across both domestic and export TBR markets – including the U.S. replacement channel.
What These Deals Mean For the Industry?
Together, these three deals reflect a unified theme that the tire industry is undergoing meaningful consolidation, with manufacturers prioritizing specialization, scale, and strategic geographic positioning. Each deal deepens technological capabilities, expands OEM partnerships, and aligns companies with high-growth segments while strengthening production footprints across Asia, Europe, and key export markets.
The consolidation wave is reshaping competitive boundaries, elevating technological depth, and accelerating the rise of APAC-based global challengers. Overall, 2025’s M&A activities set a clear trajectory toward a more concentrated, capability-driven, and strategically agile tire industry.
TAGS: Automotive