Michelin acquires 25% of NZ tyre firms

Michelin has purchased a 25 per cent stake in two tyre businesses in New Zealand, Tyreline Distributors Limited and Beau Ideal Limited, which trades as Beaurepaires. The shareholdings were acquired for an undisclosed sum, and owners the Rushbrooke family retain 75 percent ownership in the businesses.

Tyreline Distributors Limited is a tyre and lubricants importer and wholesaler headquartered in the city of Hamilton, with warehouses in Hamilton, Auckland and Christchurch. The firm was founded by Grant and Barbara Rushbrooke in 1989 as an agricultural tyre distributor. In the early days of their business, the Rushbrookes operated out of their own farm’s hay barn and made deliveries to customers in their farm pick-up, or ‘ute’.

“Our relationship with Michelin goes back a long way,” says Grant Rushbrooke. “We are thrilled to welcome them as a long-term partner and shareholder of our companies.” Tyreline first partnered with Michelin in 1998 when it became the New Zealand distributor for Michelin earthmover and industrial tyres. It became Michelin’s distributor for passenger car, truck and bus products throughout New Zealand in 2007. In 2011, the Tyreline retread factory became the first factory in Oceania to receive accreditation to produce Michelin branded retreads. Further growth includes Tyreline gaining New Zealand distributorship of the Shell lubricant range, an arrangement announced in June 2017.

“It’s exciting to start 2018 off with this news,” adds Rushbrooke. “It demonstrates Michelin’s commitment to the New Zealand market and their confidence in both Tyreline and Beaurepaires as sustainable partners.”

Hock Sen Chan, director of Michelin Asia Pacific, says Tyreline and Michelin have a lot in common, and their long-standing relationship encouraged Michelin’s investment. “We share the same values of respect of customers and innovation, and we will work together to explore new avenues of business and progress for the automotive market in New Zealand. Our investment is to reinforce our commitment to Tyreline and to the New Zealand market, promoting daily safer and better mobility for all the New Zealand consumers.

“We have always been impressed with Tyreline’s professionalism and passion when representing the Michelin brand. The integrity of Tyreline’s business conduct is the foundation of our long-term business relationship,” he adds.