Bridgestone Widens Lead in Fortune Global 500

Bridgestone Corporation has climbed to number 245 in the Fortune Global 500 in 2006, increasing its lead over Goodyear Tire & Rubber at number 327 and Michelin at number 335. The ranking, which measures the world’s biggest 500 companies in terms of revenue, shows that while Bridgestone moved up 5 places versus 2005, Goodyear gained only three and Michelin slipped back 41 places. In the motor vehicles and parts industry, Bridgestone comes in at number 19, ahead of vehicle manufacturers such as Suzuki, Mitsubishi and MAN.

The latest rankings also show Bridgestone to be the most profitable of the big three tyre companies, with profits of $1.642 million from revenue of $24,440 million, compared to Goodyear with $228 million from $19,723 and Michelin with $1,105 from $19,372. All rankings are based on companies’ last fiscal year ending on or before 31 March 2006.