Brembo SpA, a world leading manufacturer of high performance braking systems, and Sabelt SpA, a leading name in racing seat belts and child safety products, have signed a letter of intents with a view to integrate and develop their business operations in the area of components and special accessories for motor vehicles and motorcycles. A joint venture company, Brembo Performance SpA, will be set up.

The new company, headquartered at Curno (near Bergamo), will combine Sabelt Spa (racing and child safety products: €16 mln sales revenue in 2006) with Brembo Group High Performance Kits Business (braking systems for cars and motorcycles tuning: €12 mln sales revenue in 2006

The JV agreement is expected to be in place and the new company incorporated by the end of 2007.  Brembo SpA will hold a 70% controlling interest in Brembo Performance, with the remaining 30% held by the Marsiaj and d’Ormea families, who own Sabelt shares. The new company will operate out of Sabelt production sites, at Moncalieri (Turin) and in Zilina (Slovakia) as well as Brembo factories.

This industrial partnership conceived by Brembo and Sabelt will combine the best knowledge and technological assets of two historic brands in the safety sector.

“This new joint venture”, says Alberto Bombassei, Chairman of Brembo SpA “will enable the Brembo Group to significantly expand its product range, widening the scope from active safety components for motor vehicles and motorcycles (braking systems), to include passive safety products (seats and seat belts, protective racing gear, child safety products) and special accessories for cars and bikes generally.”

“In teaming up with Brembo”, adds Giorgio Marsiaj, President of Sabelt SpA “we are looking to develop the business worldwide — both by pursuing internal growth and through acquisitions — in the sector of components and special accessories destined for the Original Equipment, tuning (performance upgrade) and racing markets. A great advertisement for Italian industry, this is an initiative that will see two high profile companies pooling their resources to achieve increased competitiveness in the global market”

Source: Brembo Press Release