If you mention the name Pirelli to any driver or automotive enthusiast, they will instantly recognise the brand name. Not only does Pirelli manufacture premium tyres for everyday vehicles, but it is the official supplier of tyres for Formula One and has been linked with various other sporting events and endeavours, including the provision of tyres for superbike championships and the sponsorship of various teams across baseball, football and winter sports.
But while the popularity and prestige of Pirelli is widely known and understood, many drivers don’t know the brand history or how its ownership has changed over the years.
In this blog, we’re diving into the history of Pirelli and its parent company.
The History of Pirelli
Pirelli was founded in 1872 and is of Italian origin. In the decades since it was initially founded, the focus of Pirelli has changed and narrowed – eventually settling solely on the tyre market – for which it is now the world’s fifth-largest manufacturer.
Despite a global market presence and over 19 different manufacturing sites, Italy remains the home of Pirelli with headquarters in Milan.
Of course, as with any major brand or enterprise, specific moments have shaped the growth of Pirelli and its presence across the market. In 2015, a Chinese enterprise called ChemChina took over a controlling percentage of Pirelli – with the agreement of keeping the brand’s ownership structure in place until 2023. In 2025, this period of Chinese control ended, with Pirelli split into several main segments on the public market.
So, who owns Pirelli now?
Who Owns Pirelli?
Pirelli trades as a public company, with the ownership of Pirelli split into four key segments.
One portion, equating to 26% of the company, is owned by MTP Camfin – a holding company that is owned and managed directly by the Pirelli family. 34.1% of the company is owned by Sinochem, while a further 35.9% is split between a series of Institutional Investors. The remaining 4% of the company is owned by retail, supporting Pirelli’s market presence and growth.
We can therefore conclude that the ownership of Pirelli is split between several major entities, ensuring that the family retains a level of control alongside other investors.
