BMW Sells Stake in Carbon-Fiber Ventures

BMW AG is selling its 49% stake in carbon-fiber ventures in Germany and the U.S. to SGL Carbon Group, its partner in the companies.

SGL will buy the equity in two stages. it expects to become the sole owner of SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers GmbH in Germany in January and SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers LLC in the U.S. before the end of 2020.

Two weeks ago SGL announced a similar move to take full ownership of its Benteler-SGL venture by the end of 2017.

The two BMW ventures were launched in 2009 with the understanding that SGL might eventually buy out its partner. By acquiring full ownership of the ventures, SGL aims to fully control all major activities in the value chain, from carbon-fiber production to the manufacture of light-weight, high-strength carbon fiber-reinforced vehicle components.

BMW confirms SGL will continue as a major supplier. The two companies also have agreed to continue working on future projects that involve the use of carbon fibers.