This move will strengthen Mutares' Automotive & Mobility segment while allowing Continental to sharpen its focus on core technologies ahead of its Automotive sector becoming the independent company Aumovio.
Mutares SE & Co, a prominent private equity holding company, and Continental group sector Automotive, which is poised to become the independent entity Aumovio in September 2025, today announced the signing of a definitive agreement. Under this agreement, Mutares will acquire Continental's hydraulic drum brakes production and research & development location in Cairo Montenotte, Italy.
The transaction encompasses the complete transfer of all employees and business activities associated with the Cairo Montenotte site. This facility, located in Savona, Italy, is a well-established production and R&D hub for hydraulic drum brakes, manufacturing critical components such as the Parking Brake for Simplex Brakes (EPB-Si) and the Drum Brake (Si). The business is projected to generate approximately EUR 100 million in revenues in 2025 and currently employs around 400 highly skilled individuals.
Johannes Laumann, CIO of Mutares, expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition, stating, "With the acquisition of Continental’s Cairo Montenotte site, we are significantly strengthening our Automotive & Mobility segment. The long-standing expertise, robust product portfolio, and highly skilled workforce at this location provide an excellent foundation for operational development and future growth within our portfolio." This move aligns perfectly with Mutares' strategy of acquiring companies in special situations with considerable operational improvement potential and integrating them into their existing segments for value creation.
For Continental, the divestment is a pivotal step in its broader strategy to refine its core business and optimize its manufacturing footprint. Philipp von Hirschheydt, a member of the Continental Executive Board and CEO of the future Aumovio, commented, "We are confident that Mutares, with its extensive experience in the automotive business, is the ideal owner to lead this site into the future. Our shared goal is to ensure continuity for employees, customers, and partners while securing long-term prospects for the Cairo Montenotte location." He further emphasized that this agreement facilitates the consolidation of Continental's European manufacturing footprint and represents a crucial stride in its strategy to better allocate R&D and investments towards future technologies, including electric braking and integrated friction solutions.
The transaction is contingent upon customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals and is anticipated to be finalized in the fourth quarter of 2025. This acquisition marks a significant new platform investment for Mutares, reinforcing its presence in the automotive supply chain and demonstrating its continued commitment to growth through strategic carve-outs and operational enhancements. For Continental, it signifies a decisive step towards a more focused and agile future in advanced automotive technologies.
