Michelin Tyres is just one branch of a much broader enterprise, which is present across the dining, travel, and tyre manufacturing markets. With an extensive and rich history, which dates back as far as 1889 when the Michelin brothers took over a business named Barbier Daubrée and redefined its mission in production and development, Michelin has been synonymous with quality.
So, who owns Michelin Tyres now – and what is it about the company history that puts this brand on such a pedestal?
The History of Michelin
Michelin was born when the Michelin brothers acquired and renamed a struggling business which, at the time, manufactured a variety of rubber parts for farm machinery and other everyday implements. When a cyclist turned up in need of a repair to their tyre, the brothers discovered a gap in the market for a pneumatic tyre that didn’t need to be glued to the wheel rim but could instead be removed.
In 1891, Michelin took out a patent on its own pneumatic tyre – which went on to be used that year on the winning bike in the world’s first long-distance cycling race.
In 1895, this same pneumatic design principle was applied to tyres for the automotive sector, with the following decades then used to develop new tyres, acquire rubber production factories and facilities, and expand its range.
How Did Michelin Grow Over the 1900s?
In the 1900s, Michelin took over the operation of various rubber plants, developed new tyres that transformed the market (for example, in 1934 Michelin launched a tyre that ultimately fed the creation of the modern run-flat tyre), and acquired failing tyre brands and vehicle manufacturers.
Citroen was one brand that Michelin took over, solidifying the brand’s presence in the market and leading to it being recognised as one of the most prolific OEM brands for vehicles across the world. This OEM status, fitting Michelin tyres as original equipment to countless vehicles, meant that Michelin quickly became the gold standard for quality and reliability.
Michelin also acquired B.F. Goodrich and Uniroyal tyres – with small tyre brand acquisition something that has continued to this day. As recently as 2018, Michelin broadened its presence in the off-road and commercial markets with the acquisition of Camso, and in 2019 Michelin acquired Multistrada Arah Sarana which produces tyres for Corsa cars and Achilles Radial vehicles.
In 2026, the year of writing, Michelin has just completed on the acquisition of Flexitallic.
Suffice to say, growth is at the heart of Michelin’s continued market presence – and is something that feeds the premium status of this company. All this, while also investing in its own Michelin tyre brand which is recognised for its quality, performance, and durable tyre lifespan.
