Michelin adds Bridgestone/Firestone to Bandag lawsuit
PITTSBURGH (Feb. 5, 2001) — Two units of Groupe Michelin SA alleged that Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. and Bandag Inc. joined forces to try to block Michelin from competing in the commercial tire retreading market.
Michelin North America Inc. and Michelin Retread Technologies Inc. have added Bridgestone/Firestone as a defendant in a lawsuit against Bandag Inc., North America’s largest commercial tire retreader. The suit, filed in a U.S. District Court in November 1999, alleges that Bandag and Bridgestone/Firestone use illegal business tactics to deny Michelin and other competitors access to key truck tire dealers.
The move is the latest in a legal battle over the commercial tire retreading market. In September 1999, Bandag sued the two Michelin divisions, saying they misappropriated trade secrets, spread false rumors, engaged in predatory pricing, and pressured Bandag dealers to convert to Michelin’s retreading system.
Michelin has asked the court to award it damages and to dismiss most of Bandag’s claims filed in its lawsuit.
Michelin has about 30 retread locations. Bandag has more than 400 locations.
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