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A&O Shearman supports Sumitomo Rubber Industries on acquisition of DUNLOP brand from Goodyear

Published Date
Jan 8 2025
A&O Shearman has advised the Kobe, Japan-based multinational tire and sports equipment manufacturer Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. (SRI) on the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire the DUNLOP brand from The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in Europe, North America, and Oceania for USD526 million. The contemplated acquisition will mark a major milestone for SRI as it reunites the DUNLOP brand under its control worldwide, expanding its global footprint and market presence.
SRI is set to significantly expand its premium tire business and further enhance its manufacturing, sale, and distribution of differentiated products globally. The transaction is expected to close in May 2025 pending regulatory approvals.

"This acquisition will be a transformative step for SRI, enabling them to consolidate their market position and reinforce their competitive edge in the global tire industry. By bringing the DUNLOP brand back under SRI's control, the company is poised to drive significant growth and innovation.

This transaction will not only strengthen SRI's product portfolio but will also open up new avenues for technological advancements and market expansion. Our team at A&O Shearman is proud to have played a pivotal role in the negotiation of this complex cross-border transaction spanning three continents and more than 50 countries, showcasing our ability to navigate regulatory landscapes and structure innovative deals. We look forward to working with SRI towards a successful closing."

Image of Karl Pires

Karl Pires

Partner

The A&O Shearman deal team was led by M&A partner Karl Pires (Tokyo) and senior associate Rena Katsuyama (New York), with support from associates Yukiko Nakazawa (Tokyo) and Kazuki Fujita (New York). Partner JB Betker (New York) and associate Eva Wang (Silicon Valley) handled negotiations of key license agreements for this IP-heavy deal, with tax partner Ryan Bray (Dallas) and tax associate Michael Buiteweg (Dallas), employment law partner Claire Toumieux (Paris), antitrust partners Matthew Readings (London), Kana Morimura (Tokyo) and Jonathan Cheng (New York), antitrust counsel Sylvain Petit (Brussels) and antitrust associate Nicolas Tselikas Bouzeau (Brussels) also playing significant roles in connection with tax, employment and regulatory aspects of the contemplated transaction. This cross-practice collaboration across three continents highlights the firm's global reach and multi-disciplinary expertise, which ensures comprehensive and timely legal support for complex transactions.

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