Continental Sells ContiTech to Lone Star Funds and Will Become a Pure-play Tire Manufacturer

“The sale of ContiTech marks the beginning of a new era as a pure-play tire manufacturer,” said Continental CEO Christian Kötz, adding: “As announced, our shareholders will participate in the proceeds from the sale. We will also continue to improve our solid capital structure.”

“ContiTech is a well-positioned industrial company with outstanding technological capabilities and extensive expertise in materials, making it one of the leading providers in its industries. We are convinced of ContiTech’s significant potential. As a global investor with a track record in the industrials sector, we look forward to working closely with the management team and employees around the world to further develop the business – through operational improvements and targeted investments in attractive growth markets,” said Donald Quintin, chief executive officer of Lone Star Funds. 

ContiTech is one of the world’s leading industrial specialists and employs around 22,000 people worldwide. In fiscal 2025, ContiTech achieved sales of around €4.4 billion. The industrial sector accounts for around 80 percent of its sales. As a global provider of rubber and thermoplastic products and systems, ContiTech has extensive expertise in materials and technology. Its portfolio spans conveyor and drive systems, fluid management solutions, as well as damping and surface applications. With a clear focus on integrated solutions and services, ContiTech is evolving into a comprehensive industrial partner, particularly in the strategic growth areas of total conveyance and reliable flow. The company serves a wide range of industrial end markets, including mining, energy, construction and infrastructure, off-highway and mobility applications, as well as industrial manufacturing. In addition, ContiTech operates in the automotive, furniture, printing and packaging industries.

Following completion of the sale, Continental will become a focused tire manufacturer with a strong, globally recognized brand. Continental’s tire business has shown stable development in recent years, despite volatile markets. The company benefits from highly efficient processes, a strong customer focus and a robust technology portfolio. Multiple awards in independent tire tests consistently demonstrate the high quality of its products. With approximately 55,000 employees and 19 tire plants, the company is well positioned both globally and locally.

Its strong business in passenger-car tires forms the foundation, accounting for around 77 percent of tire sales in 2025. The EMEA region continues to generate the largest share of sales at 53 percent. Globally, 76 percent of sales come from replacement tires. Continental is particularly well positioned in the premium segment for ultra-high-performance tires (18 inches and larger). Across all brands, these tires now account for around 55 percent of total passenger-car tire sales and for approximately 62 percent of tire sales of the Continental brand, with demand continuing to rise. In addition to growth in this area, Asia and North America in particular are strategic growth markets.

Continental’s realignment into a focused tire manufacturer includes the sale of ContiTech. This follows the spin-off in September 2025 of the former Automotive group sector, which has since been listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange as Aumovio. In February 2026, the company also sold ContiTech’s former Original Equipment Solutions business area.