Squire Patton Boggs has advised American Kenda Rubber Ind., Co., Ltd. (Kenda) on its acquisition of 100% of the shares of European wheel and tire supplier, Starco.

London Corporate partner Claire Scott-Priestley led a cross-office team that included lawyers from the Corporate, Labor & Employment, Environmental, Safety and Health, Intellectual Property & Technology, Real Estate, Financial Services and Competition – Antitrust Practice Groups and from offices across the UK, US, Germany, France, Belgium, Slovakia, Poland and China.

Since it was founded in 1962, Kenda has become one of the world’s leading tire and tube manufacturers for automotive, motorcycle, bicycle, ATV/UTV, wheel chair, golf car, lawn care equipment, trailer, skid loader and agricultural vehicles. With factories all over the world, Kenda has had a strong relationship with Starco since it began supplying the company in 1982.

Starco has been active in the wheel and tire industry for more than 55 years. It specializes in low and high volume standard and bespoke complete wheels for a wide range of applications – from the smallest wheelbarrow or trailer, to large agricultural or industrial machines and implements. Starco has a widespread distribution network, with factories in the UK, Croatia, Sri Lanka and China, as well as eight sales and distribution locations across Europe.

“We’re delighted that our global team could support Kenda on this strategic acquisition in the European market, in various legal disciplines and across multiple jurisdictions,” said Claire Scott-Priestley.