The Continental Executive Board has today decided to make the ContiTech group sector independent, spinning its industrial rubber business off from its automotive and tire business. As the board evaluates next steps, a sale of the Contitech business is likely in the future, which is to be implemented after the spin-off of the Automotive group sector and the sale of the Original Equipment Solutions (OESL) business area. Subject to the necessary resolutions, ContiTech could become independent in the course of 2026.
Continental has already laid the groundwork for its realignment with the planned spin-off of its Automotive group sector and aims to position the three group sectors – Tires, ContiTech and Automotive – as strong, independent companies. With this move, ContiTech will operate independently as a material solutions specialist with a strong industrial focus. Continental AG will therefore become a global company focused on tires. In a last step, the still overarching holding functions will then be transferred to Continental AG.
“Over the past 30 years in particular, Continental has used targeted acquisitions and organic growth to build up three strong group sectors in their respective industries. These are now ready for independence. Today’s highly dynamic markets also call for focused, agile and decisive action. Now is therefore the right time to initiate the most far-reaching realignment in the company’s history. We are creating three strong, independent champions that will achieve their full growth and value creation potential as independent companies,” said Continental CEO Nikolai Setzer in Hanover on Tuesday, explaining the Executive Board’s decision.
“I will shape and drive forward Continental’s realignment as CEO until its successful completion. This realignment will benefit all our stakeholders,” added Setzer.
With the creation of three independent companies, adjustments will be made to the composition of the Continental Executive Board. Dr. Ariane Reinhart (55), Executive Board member for HR and Sustainability and director of Labor Relations, will step down from her position on June 30. Ulrike Hintze (48) will be appointed as director of Labor Relations and Executive Board member for HR effective July 1. She will continue to manage the HR function in the Tires group sector at the same time. Setzer will take over responsibility for Sustainability from Reinhart in addition to his responsibility for IT and Communications.
ContiTech has around 39,000 employees, recorded sales of around €6.4 billion in 2024 and is a specialist in innovative material solutions with a clear industrial focus. The group sector’s core industries currently comprise off-highway mobility, mining, construction and home, energy management and automotive. As previously announced, a carve-out is planned in the near future for a large portion of its business that supplies rubber products to automotive manufacturers, consolidated in the Original Equipment Solutions (OESL) business area. This business area, which employs around 16,000 people in 16 countries, is currently being presented to potential buyers and partners.
Automotive offers cutting-edge electronic products and modern mobility solutions. It has carved out a strong market position for innovative sensor solutions and displays as well as technologically leading brake and comfort systems, and has extensive expertise in software, architecture platforms and assistance systems for the rapidly growing future market of software-defined and autonomous vehicles. The group sector employs around 92,000 people and generated sales of around €19.4 billion in fiscal 2024. The listing of Automotive on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange is currently scheduled for September 2025, subject to the approval of the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting on April 25.
Tires operates a successful global portfolio of car, truck, bus, two-wheel and specialty tires as well as smart solutions and services for fleets and tire retailers. The megatrends of sustainability, electric mobility and digitalization offer a wide range of opportunities for further profitable growth. Continental already offers one of the most sustainable production tires on the market and supplies its premium tires to 18 of the world’s 20 highest-volume manufacturers of fully electric vehicles. In the past fiscal year, the group sector generated sales of around €13.9 billion with a workforce of more than 57,000.
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