Sources in Germany say that Continental is in talks with several potential investors from the automobile and financial sectors, as it looks to defend itself against the takeover bid launched by Schaeffler.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more


Continental has rejected the advances of privately owned Schaeffler, which makes bearings and other parts for the auto and aerospace industries, saying the two offers it has so far made undervalue the firm.


Continental, which is heavily in debt after acquiring Siemens VDO in 2007, is also considering calling an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting to extend the period in which shareholders can agree to sell their shares to Schaeffler.


The Financial Times cited people close to the situation as saying that one of the investors that Continental was in talks with was Japanese competitor Bridgestone.


See also: Schaeffler launches hostile bid for Conti

Just Auto Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Just Auto Technology Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.

Excellence in Action
Continental has secured the Window Displays Innovation Award in the 2025 Just Auto Excellence Awards for its Window Projection solution, transforming side windows into dynamic, data-rich canvases. Discover how this compact projection technology and intelligent software are reshaping in-car UX and opening fresh revenue streams for OEMs and mobility providers.

Discover the Impact