Bridgestone takes control of Slovak tire dealer

Banská Bystrica, Slovakia – Bridgestone Corp. has become the majority shareholder of A.R.S, one of the biggest players on the Slovak tire market, Bridgestone announced 19 Nov.

The move, said Bridgestone, will “guarantee the stable growth of A.R.S. and will give customers access to best quality products and highest level of services.”

Banská Bystrica-based A.R.S. spol. s r.o. is active on the market since 1992 and is focused on helping fleet customers to reduce their total tire-related costs.

The company operates a retread shop and eight service locations that will now operate under the” Bridgestone Partner” umbrella.

A.R.S will also become part of the Bridgestone’s Bandag retreading network.

“Bridgestone and A.R.S. are two leading companies that share common history in the consumer and commercial tire market,” said Antonio Iannetta, commercial business unit director Bridgestone East Europe.

“I believe that our reach, experience and commitment to our customers and employees will help us to further build this strong organisation with a lot of potential for both sides,” Iannetta added.

Slovakia has many advantages for foreign investors, such as growing economy, favourable geographical location, skilled labour and a major centre for car manufacturing, according to Miroslav Kostiviar, founder and shareholder of A.R.S.

“Partnering up with a local leading dealer is consistent with our European strategy to strengthen Bridgestone’s long term footprint on the tire service channel, promoting the entrepreneurship of our partners and investing in retreading with our Bandag Franchisees,” said Kostiviar.