Bridgestone eyes U.K. retail growth with ETB acquisition

BRUSSELS — Bridgestone Corp. has acquired British automotive services provider Exhaust, Tyres & Batteries Ltd. (ETB) in a bid to expand its retail footprint in the country.

Worcester, England-based ETB is a network of 32 ETB and Britannia Tyres outlets throughout southwest England, many of which already operate as part of Bridgestone's "First Stop" retail affiliation.

Established as a family business 30 years ago, EBT employs 265 and claims to service over 10,000 customers a month.

The acquisition, financial terms of which were not disclosed, will give the company closer access to the U.K. market, where it already runs a sales office.

Robin Shaw, Managing Director Bridgestone North Region, said partnering with ETB will allow Bridgestone to "get as close as possible to our end-consumer, listen to their needs and offer them the best mobility solutions in the future."

Post-acquisition, both ETB and Britannia Tyres will continue operating under their current identities and with their current team. Charles Ivill will continue to direct operations at the company from the ETB company headquarters in Worcester.

Bridgestone has increased its focus on retail experience with acquisitions and joint ventures in the last four years across France, Germany, Spain and Slovakia. The company owns retail brands such as Speedy and Côté Route.

In Europe, Bridgestone operates more than 900 retail outlets in France alone, operating under the First Stop, Speedy and Côté Route brands.

Bridgestone also recently hired Ulf Harring, former Bosch Siemens Home Appliances vice president, to be its chief operating officer in Europe as part of a strategy to strengthen new mobility efforts.