Bridgestone has completed its purchase of TomTom’s telematics business, creating a significant player in the commercial vehicle fleet management sector.

The €910m (£793m) deal was revealed in January and has now received regulatory approval, and the nod from TomTom’s shareholders.

The deal bring together, in Bridgestone’s own words, “the world’s largest tyre company with the number one provider of digital fleet solutions in Europe”.

Bridgestone’s purchase provides it with access to the biggest European data platform of cars and trucks available, strengthening its offer especially in regards virtual development and testing, as well as predictive modelling and connected tyres.

TomTom Telematics makes WebFleet and NextFleet and has a user base of 50,000 customers across 860,000 vehicles, which two thirds of are commercial fleet.

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Paolo Ferrari, CEO and President of Bridgestone EMEA, said: “The closing of this transaction is a significant milestone on Bridgestone’s transformation journey from tyre producer to mobility solutions leader.”

“With demand for fleet-based mobility growing year-on-year, fleet managers need more than ever before a reliable and innovative partner to help them maximize their effectiveness and efficiency through increased productivity and minimised total cost of ownership.

“Now, together, Bridgestone and TomTom Telematics have the tools, insights and experience to fulfil those demands. We are marking the creation of a fleet solutions powerhouse that will lead our industry into the future of mobility.”

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