The perfect combination of brake and suspension specialists
On October 11, 2024, the iconic Italian brake manufacturerBrembo that it is the renowned Swedish suspension specialist Öhlins Racing had taken over for 370 million euros. This is an important moment in the motorsport and automotive world. But to truly understand why this acquisition is so significant, we need to go back to the roots of both companies and their impact on modern technology in automotive and motorsport.
The history of Brembo: From humble beginnings to world leader
Brembo
was founded in 1961 in Bergamo, Italy, by
Emilio Bombassei and his father-in-law Italo Breda. In the early years, the company mainly produced disc brakes for Italian car brands, but the big breakthrough came in 1975 when they developed the first braking systems for Ferrari. This marked the beginning of a close relationship with motorsports and luxury car brands.
Since then isBrembogrown into a world leader in brake technology, not only for sports cars such as Ferrari and Porsche, but also for motorcycles and race cars. Their innovative techniques, such as carbon-ceramic brake discs, have made them an indispensable partner in competitions like Formula 1 and MotoGP.
Brembo has built a reputation for precision, reliability, and top quality. These qualities have helped them grow over the years through acquisitions such as Marchesini (specialist in alloy wheels) and SBS Friction (manufacturer of brake pads). The purchase of Öhlinsfits perfectly into their strategy to become a complete player in the field of vehicle dynamics.
Öhlins: The Swedish masterpiece in suspension systems
Öhlins Racing ABwas founded in 1976 by
Kenth Öhlin
in Sweden. Öhlins
started in the motocross world, where
KenthHis technical skills were used to develop better performing shock absorbers. Soon, the brand expanded into road racing and the automotive industry, with products that became popular among both professionals and enthusiasts.
Öhlins
is known for its advanced suspension systems, including shock absorbers and front forks, and has had a major influence in championships such as MotoGP, Formula 1, and NASCAR. The brand is synonymous with control, stability, and maximum grip, even under the most demanding conditions. The introduction of electronic suspension was the next step in their technological advancement, making them globally recognized as pioneers in active suspension technology.
WithÖhlinstheir focus on both two-wheelers and four-wheelers, they have built an impressive catalog. The brand awareness ofÖhlins, combined with their advanced products, makes them a logical acquisition for a company like Brembothat wants to expand its influence.
The Strategic Acquisition: Why Öhlins and Brembo Are a Golden Combination
The acquisition ofÖhlinsbyBrembomust be seen as a strategic masterstroke in the increasingly competitive world of high-performance car and motorcycle parts.Brembo, already known for its high-quality braking systems, sees with the addition ofÖhlins
the ability to offer complete driving solutions, with advanced suspension and braking technologies under one roof.
With this acquisition, it is possible toBrembotheir presence in motorsport further expand, particularly in the world of two-wheelers.Brembo delivers all brake systems for motorcycles in MotoGP and with the entry of Öhlins
can they also supply suspension systems, giving them a unique position as
one-stop-shopfor performance parts.
Additionally, this acquisition also offers a huge opportunity for technological synergy. BothBremboasÖhlins
are companies that invest heavily in R&D and together they could develop even more advanced driver assistance systems, with integrated braking and suspension systems optimized for the best performance.
Brembo has recently also acquired other companies, such as J.Juan(specialist in brake lines) andMarchesini, and the addition ofÖhlins
strengthens their position as a leader in both car and motorcycle technology.
What does this mean for motorsport and the luxury car industry?
NowBrembo and Öhlins
collaborate, we can expect their combined expertise to raise the bar for performance in motorsport even higher. In MotoGP and Formula 1, where every tenth of a second counts, the integration of
Brembo's
brake technology with
Öhlins' Suspension systems can lead to even better control and speed on the circuit.
Additionally, this also means a lot for the consumer market. The products ofBrembo
are already standard in many luxury sports cars and luxury motorcycles, and the addition of the suspensions of
Öhlins
could lead to an even better driving experience for cars like Ferrari, Porsche, and Lamborghini, as well as the two-wheeler market.
The acquisition still needs to be approved by regulatory authorities, which is expected to happen in early 2025.
