Auto components maker Tenneco Inc. has entered into a preliminary agreement to purchase the suspension business of Gruppo Marzocchi, an Italian-based worldwide leader in supplying suspension technology to mountain bike and motorcyle makers.


The agreement is the initial step in the purchase process. A final agreement and closing on a potential purchase of Marzocchi’s suspension business is dependent on a number of conditions and the legally-required consultation with the works councils representing Marzocchi employees. Those consultations began July 10.


This acquisition would be made through Tenneco’s assumption of the debt associated with Marzocchi’s suspension business, which was approximately $15 million as of April 30, 2008.


An acquisition by Tenneco of Marzocchi’s suspension business would leverage the brand, technology and product synergies of the two companies, providing customers with integrated suspension systems (forks, shock absorbers and elastomers) for motorcycles and other applications.


Marzocchi provides suspension for both the OEM and aftermarket. Clients include mountain bike makers Giant, Kona, Norco, Rocky Mountain, Trek, Specialized, Sintesi and Wheeler.



Tenneco is a $6.2 billion global manufacturing company with headquarters in Lake Forest, Illinois and approximately 21,000 employees worldwide. Tenneco is one of the world’s largest designers, manufacturers and marketers of emission control and ride control products and systems for the automotive original equipment market and the aftermarket. Tenneco markets its products principally under the Monroe®, Walker®, Gillet™ and Clevite®Elastomer brand names.