Continental announced that it is selling ContiTech to Lone Star Funds. The transaction is part of Continental’s realignment into a focused pure-play tire manufacturer.
Continental said the sale marks the beginning of a new era for the company. The company also said shareholders will participate in proceeds from the sale, while Continental continues to strengthen its capital structure.
ContiTech is an industrial specialist with about 22,000 employees worldwide. In fiscal 2025, the business generated sales of about €4.4 billion, with the industrial sector accounting for around 80% of sales.
ContiTech provides rubber and thermoplastic products and systems. Its portfolio includes conveyor and drive systems, fluid management solutions, damping applications, and surface applications.
The business serves industrial end markets including mining, energy, construction and infrastructure, off-highway and mobility applications, and industrial manufacturing. ContiTech also operates in automotive, furniture, printing, and packaging markets.
Lone Star Funds said ContiTech is a well-positioned industrial company with strong technological capabilities and materials expertise. The firm plans to work with ContiTech’s management team and employees to develop the business through operational improvements and targeted investments in attractive growth markets.
After the sale is completed, Continental will become a focused tire manufacturer with a globally recognized brand. The company said its tire business has shown stable development in recent years despite volatile markets.
Continental’s tire business has about 55,000 employees and 19 tire plants. The company said it benefits from efficient processes, customer focus, a robust technology portfolio, and strong product quality demonstrated through independent tire tests.
Passenger-car tires form the foundation of Continental’s tire business, accounting for about 77% of tire sales in 2025. The EMEA region generated the largest share of tire sales at 53%, while replacement tires accounted for 76% of global sales.
Continental is particularly well positioned in the premium ultra-high-performance tire segment, covering tires 18 inches and larger. Across all brands, these tires account for about 55% of passenger-car tire sales and approximately 62% of tire sales under the Continental brand.
The sale of ContiTech follows other steps in Continental’s restructuring. These include the September 2025 spin-off of its former Automotive group sector, now listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange as Aumovio, and the February 2026 sale of ContiTech’s former Original Equipment Solutions business area.
KEY QUOTES:
“The sale of ContiTech marks the beginning of a new era as a pure-play tire manufacturer. As announced, our shareholders will participate in the proceeds from the sale. We will also continue to improve our solid capital structure.”
Christian Kötz, CEO of Continental
“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.”
Donald Quintin, CEO of Lone Star Funds
