Continental, a manufacturing company specializing in the automotive and transportation industries, acquired thermoplastic specialist Merlett Group, Italy, in November 2019.

The acquisition will strengthen Continental’s materials expertise beyond rubber and deepen its specialist knowledge about the design, processing and handling of thermoplastics for industrial hose solutions.

“Thermoplastic know-how is essential in our transformation from a pure product supplier to a holistic supplier of systems and solutions in the field of industrial hoses. The acquisition of Merlett is a major step forward for Continental because more diversification in products, markets and industries opens up new market opportunities,” explained Andreas Gerstenberger, head of Continental’s industrial fluid solution business.

In its combined product portfolio of rubber and thermoplastic hoses, Continental is now able to offer a unique range of flexible hoses for agriculture, the construction, transportation and food industries and other growth sectors in the future.

At the same time, Continental will further strengthen the regional presence of its industrial hose business, especially in Europe. Merlett will add three state-of-the-art production facilities in Italy and Switzerland plus an extensive network of sales offices in twelve European countries with some 500 employees to Continental’s industrial hose business.

“Together we are close to the customer and can develop new sales markets,” added Gerstenberger. “Merlett fits perfectly to further expand Continental’s resources in order to become the partner of choice for our customers from a very wide range of industries. We are delighted to welcome Merlett’s employees to the Continental family.”

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