TOKYO (March 3, 2009) — Bridgestone Corp. is planning to rationalize its wholesale and retail structure in Japan, combining 18 wholly owned retail subsidiaries into two units, one for wholesale and one for retail.
The rationalization will be carried out in two steps, Bridgestone said. Initially the 18 companies will be reduced to five by July, and then these will be reduced to two — Japan Inc. Bridgestone Tire Sales and Retail Bridgestone Japan Ltd. — by May 2012.
Bridgestone cited the harsh economic environment for its decision to reorganize. By rationalizing the various units, the company said it hopes to improve efficiency and speed.