mynth
03/2018100%

Fenner acquired by Michelin

UNITED KINGDOM Chemicals & Materials / Material Transformation / Plastics EV £1–10bn

Context

The acquisition of Fenner marks the transition of a publicly traded independent entity to a fully integrated industrial subsidiary within the Michelin group, enabling the target to alleviate financing constraints and accelerate expansion by leveraging Michelin's established distribution network in Latin America and Asia. This industrial consolidation is based on implementing a comprehensive multi-product offering, combining the acquirer's earthmover tires and the target's conveyor belts to provide mining operators with a complete handling solution covering all material transportation needs, amidst a cyclical upturn in the global mining sector. The post-acquisition roadmap focuses on harnessing Fenner's polymer science expertise to drive the development of Michelin's non-tire activities in the medical and consumer equipment sectors, aiming to generate immediate annual cost synergies estimated at 30 million pounds, while logistical integration will facilitate the capture of after-sales contracts and wear part replacements from the consolidated group's shared and captive customer base, thereby enhancing visibility over its long-term cash flows. By entering new markets and expanding its product portfolio, the consolidated entity will benefit from increased diversification and a more stable revenue stream.

Fenner, which reported an EBITDA margin of 13.1% in 2017, is valued in this transaction at an EV/EBITDA multiple of 15.1x, to compare with the average currently observed in the Industry & Manufacturing sector (11.7x in 2026).

-> Deep-dive in Industry & Manufacturing market trends

Target

Fenner PLC is a British industrial equipment manufacturer specializing in reinforced polymer processing and heavy conveyor belt fabrication, primarily for mining extraction infrastructure and bulk handling industrial applications. With a workforce of over 4,300 employees, the organization generates revenue exceeding 600 million pounds through initial infrastructure delivery and a steady stream of aftermarket spare parts and maintenance services. This installed base-driven cash flow is sustained by the daily wear and tear of rubber belts in mining operations, necessitating regular maintenance to prevent failures. To ensure maximum product availability, the company must maintain proximity stocks, requiring precise control over production units and chemical formulation expertise to design polymers resistant to mechanical and regulatory stresses. Manufacturing these conveyor belts involves specialized equipment, such as textile or metal weaving units and vulcanization lines, which must be operated efficiently to meet global demand, with production facilities strategically located to support timely delivery and reduce logistics costs, thereby optimizing the supply chain and enabling the company to cater to diverse customer needs across various geographies, including those with stringent regulatory requirements.

Ent. Value

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£1.3bn

Equity Value

[members only]

Multiples

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EV / Revenue

2.0x

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EV / EBITDA

15.1x

EV / EBIT

Above 20x

Historical Financials (GBP)

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Year
Rev
EBITDA
EBIT
2017
655m
86m
£50–100M
2016
£450–900M
£50–100M
£50–100M

Other operations with Michelin

Other operations with Michelin
DateAcquirerTargetCountrySector
02/2026MICHELINFLEXITALLIC GROUPUNITED STATESComponents
07/2023MICHELINFLEX COMPOSITE GROUPFRANCEPlastics

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REFERENCES

Valuation range: EV £1–10bn

Revenue range: £450–900M

EBITDA range: £50–100M

EV/Revenue range: 1x - 3x

EV/EBITDA range: 15x - 25x

Note: This page provides detailed data on a private equity M&A transaction. Detailed and exact financial metrics for the acquisition of Fenner by Michelin are reserved for mynth community members. Register for free to unlock full data.

Authors: This transaction was contributed by a verified mynth contributor and cross-checked against available transaction documents and official company communications.

Target: fenner

Acquirer: michelin

FAQ

What transaction does this page cover?

This page covers Michelin’s acquisition of 100% of Fenner, a British company specialised in Material Transformation, in 2018.

How was the acquisition of Fenner by Michelin valued, and what multiples were paid?

The transaction valued Fenner at an enterprise value of £1.3bn, implying an EV/EBITDA multiple of 15.1x and an EV/revenue multiple of 2.0x.

What were Fenner’s revenue and EBITDA at the time of the deal?

At the time of the transaction, Fenner reported annual revenue of £655m and EBITDA of £86m (FY 2017).

How does the valuation of Fenner compare to benchmarks in the Industry & Manufacturing sector?

The acquisition of Fenner was completed at a multiple of 15.1x EBITDA in 2018. By way of comparison, in 2026 companies in the Industry & Manufacturing sector are valued at a multiple of 11.7x EBITDA.

What sources support the information on this transaction?

Transaction data and operational intelligence were compiled from independent financial press reporting by specialized M&A publications.

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