Brembo, the renowned Italian brake manufacturer, is about to get even bigger, as they strike a deal to acquire Swedish suspension specialist Öhlins for a hefty $405 million (€382 million). This monumental move will position Brembo even more firmly as a titan in the racing and automotive aftermarket sectors. The deal is pending regulatory approval, which is expected to be cleared by early 2025, but once it gets the green light, it’ll be the largest acquisition in Brembo’s history.

It’s a match made in motorsport heaven. Brembo, a company whose name is synonymous with precision braking, is now merging with Öhlins, a global leader in high-performance suspension systems. Öhlins’ impressive portfolio, which spans shock absorbers, front forks, steering dampers, and software algorithms, is already a mainstay in the top echelons of motorsport, including MotoGP, Formula 1, World Superbike, and even NASCAR. By adding Öhlins to its stable, Brembo is clearly signalling its ambition to dominate every corner of the performance parts world.

Matteo Tiraboschi, Brembo’s executive chairman, couldn’t contain his excitement: “We welcome Öhlins to our Group as a great opportunity to expand our offerings for the automotive market.” It’s a bold statement that underlines just how significant this acquisition is, not just for Brembo but for the entire racing and aftermarket industries.

Brembo has been on a buying spree recently, snapping up brands like AP Racing, J.Juan, and SBS Friction all specialists in racing. But this Öhlins deal takes things to another level. While Brembo hasn’t revealed its full plan for the newly acquired suspension maestro, the possibilities are tantalising. Imagine the kind of complete performance packages we might see, where world-class braking and suspension systems work together seamlessly, built under the same roof.

With regulatory approval expected early next year, the countdown is on. The thought of Brembo and Öhlins working hand-in-hand is enough to make any petrolhead’s heart race. From the track to the street, this is one merger that promises to shake up the performance parts scene in a big way.