Michelin
French multinational tire manufacturer headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, producing tires for passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and specialty applications.
Company Type
public
Founded
1889
Headquarters
Clermont-Ferrand, France
Stock
Euronext Paris: ML
About Michelin
Michelin is one of the world's largest tire manufacturers, founded in 1889 in Clermont-Ferrand, France by André and Édouard Michelin. Under CEO Florent Menegaux, the company is implementing a €2 billion share buyback program for 2026-2028 while focusing on polymer solutions growth and sustainable mobility. Michelin is publicly traded on Euronext Paris (ML) and employs approximately 132,000 people across 175 countries, generating annual revenues exceeding €28 billion.
History of Michelin
Michelin was founded on May 28, 1889, by brothers André and Édouard Michelin in Clermont-Ferrand, France, taking over their grandfather's rubber factory. The company made its first major innovation in 1891 when it developed a detachable pneumatic bicycle tire, dramatically simplifying tire changes that previously took hours.
In 1895, Michelin equipped a car with pneumatic tires for the first time for the Paris-Bordeaux race, pioneering automotive tire technology. The company introduced the iconic "Bibendum" (Michelin Man) mascot in 1898, creating one of the world's oldest and most recognizable brand characters.
The early 20th century saw Michelin innovate rapidly: the company published the first Michelin Guide in 1900 (initially a free guide for motorists, later evolving into the prestigious restaurant rating system), introduced radial tire technology in 1946, and launched the first commercially successful radial tire (the Michelin X) in 1949, which revolutionized the tire industry worldwide.
Throughout the second half of the 20th century, Michelin expanded globally through both organic growth and acquisitions. The company acquired Uniroyal-Goodrich in 1990, becoming one of the world's largest tire manufacturers. Michelin continued to innovate with run-flat tires, energy-efficient tires, and connected tire technology.
In recent years, Michelin has focused on sustainable mobility and digital transformation. The company has invested heavily in connected tire technology that provides real-time data on tire pressure, temperature, and wear patterns. Michelin has also expanded its polymer solutions business, developing high-performance materials for aerospace, automotive, and industrial applications.
In 2025, Michelin announced a €2 billion share buyback program for 2026-2028, demonstrating confidence in the company's financial position and future prospects. Under CEO Florent Menegaux's leadership, the company has emphasized growth in polymer solutions and high-performance materials while maintaining its leadership position in premium tire markets.
Michelin continues to face challenging tire market conditions but has maintained strong profitability through its premium positioning and diversified business model. The company's focus on innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation positions it well for the evolving automotive industry landscape.
Brands Owned by Michelin
Michelin owns 1 brand in our database.
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Stock Information
Michelin Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +One of the world's largest and most respected tire manufacturers with 135+ years of heritage
- +Premium brand positioning commanding higher margins and customer loyalty
- +Global manufacturing presence across 17 countries providing geographic diversification
- +Pioneer of radial tire technology and continuous R&D leadership with €700+ million annual investment
- +Diversified beyond tires into guides, services, and high-performance materials
- +Strong relationships with automotive OEMs for original equipment supply
- +Significant presence in motorsport providing brand visibility and technology development platform
- +Robust financial position enabling €2 billion share buyback program and strategic investments
Considerations
- -Premium pricing compared to budget and mid-range tire competitors limiting market share in value segments
- -Intense competition from Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear, and growing Asian manufacturers
- -Raw material cost volatility affecting profit margins (natural rubber, synthetic rubber, carbon black)
- -Environmental concerns regarding tire manufacturing processes and end-of-life disposal challenges
- -Regulatory pressures regarding emissions standards, sustainability reporting, and material sourcing
- -Dependence on automotive industry cycles affecting original equipment demand
- -Currency fluctuations impacting international operations and financial reporting
- -Transition to electric vehicles requiring specialized tire development and potential market disruption
Frequently Asked Questions About Michelin
Is Michelin publicly traded?
Yes, Michelin is publicly traded on Euronext Paris under the ticker symbol ML. The company operates as a limited partnership (commandite par actions) with public shareholders holding economic interests while the general partners maintain executive authority.
Who owns Michelin?
Michelin is an independent, publicly traded company owned by its shareholders. The Michelin family has maintained governance involvement since the company's founding in 1889, though public shareholders hold the majority of economic ownership through stock ownership on Euronext Paris.
When was Michelin founded?
Michelin was founded on May 28, 1889, by brothers André and Édouard Michelin in Clermont-Ferrand, France. The company took over their grandfather's rubber factory and revolutionized the tire industry with innovations like the detachable pneumatic tire.
What is the Michelin Guide?
The Michelin Guide is a prestigious restaurant and hotel rating system first published by Michelin in 1900. Initially created as a free guide for motorists, it evolved into the world's most influential dining guide, awarding one to three Michelin stars to exceptional restaurants based on anonymous inspector evaluations.
What is Michelin's market position?
Michelin is one of the world's largest tire manufacturers alongside Bridgestone and Goodyear, known for premium quality, innovation, and the iconic Michelin Man (Bibendum) mascot. The company holds significant market share across Europe, North America, and Asia, particularly in the premium tire segment.
Who is the current CEO of Michelin?
Florent Menegaux serves as the Managing General Partner and CEO of Michelin. Under his leadership, the company has focused on polymer solutions growth, sustainable mobility initiatives, and implementing a €2 billion share buyback program for 2026-2028.
What brands does Michelin own?
Michelin owns multiple tire brands including Michelin (premium), BFGoodrich (North America), Uniroyal (North America), Kleber (Europe), Tigar (Serbia), Riken (Japan), and Kormoran (Poland). The company also operates the Michelin Guide restaurant rating system and ViaMichelin travel services.
How many countries does Michelin operate in?
Michelin operates 68 manufacturing facilities across 17 countries and sells its products in 175 countries worldwide. The company maintains major production sites in France, United States, Brazil, Japan, China, India, Thailand, Spain, Germany, and Poland, with technology centers in France, US, Japan, and China.
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