Bridgestone buying French tire retailer Ayme

BRUSSELS (Jan. 18, 2017) — Bridgestone Europe N.V./S.A. is buying Groupe Ayme, a French tire retailer with 104 points of sale under the "Côté Route" brand.

The acquisition will expand Bridgestone's retail network in France to more than 900 outlets, operating under the First Stop, Speedy and Côté Route brands.

Financial details were not disclosed. Completion of the transaction is subject to information and consultations with the "social partners" as well as competition authority clearance.

Groupe Ayme's Côté Route stores are located throughout France, but with a heavy concentration throughout southeastern France. Bridgestone called Groupe Ayme largest independent tire specialist in France but did not disclose the group's annual sales.

The Japanese tire maker said the deal with Groupe Ayme's shareholders fits with its declared vision "to become the most trusted provider of tire and automotive services in every business segment it serves."

The move will also improve Bridgestone's footprint in the French market and allow it to gain a better understanding of end-users, the company explained.

Groupe Ayme was founded more than 100 years ago by Paul and Félicie Ayme. Today it's still owned by the family's fourth generation.

Côté Route offers tires for a wide range of customers' vehicles, from passenger, SUV, vans, trucks, buses, agricultural machinery, handling, construction and civil engineering machinery.

The chain is part of the euroGom national brand, which offers exclusive services such as Tire Guarantee or centralized billing in 420 points of sale in France.