Czech billionaire Michal Strnad is negotiating to acquire a 14% [1] minority stake in the Italian tyre maker Pirelli & C SpA.
The move signals a strategic shift for the 33-year-old [1] arms tycoon, who is using the capital from a recent public listing of his defence company to diversify his global investment portfolio.
Strnad is seeking to purchase the shares from Sinochem Holdings Corp., the largest shareholder in the Milan-based company [1], [3]. Reports said the negotiations have been ongoing throughout July 2026 [1], [3]. While some reports suggest Strnad is acting alone [1], other accounts said he may be pursuing the acquisition alongside business partner Pavel Tykac [3].
This potential transaction follows a period of growth for Strnad's holdings. The funds for the purchase are reportedly derived from a blockbuster listing of his defence interests, allowing the investor to move into the automotive and industrial sectors [1].
Sinochem has held a dominant position in the tyre manufacturer for several years. The sale of a 14% [1] stake would represent a significant shift in the ownership structure of the Italian firm, one of the world's most recognized luxury tyre brands.
Details regarding the final purchase price have not been disclosed. The parties involved continue to discuss the terms of the minority stake transfer [1], [3].
“Czech billionaire Michal Strnad is negotiating to acquire a 14% minority stake in the Italian tyre maker Pirelli & C SpA.”
This acquisition represents a pivot from defense-sector wealth toward industrial diversification. By targeting a minority stake in Pirelli, Strnad is leveraging a high-liquidity event from his arms business to enter the European automotive market, while Sinochem potentially reduces its exposure or capitalizes on the current valuation of the Italian tyre giant.
