Bridgestone/Firestone Inc reorganizes

Jan. 1, 2002
Bridgestone/Firestone Inc has reorganized its divisions into a new holding company, Bridgestone/Firestone Americas Holding Inc (BFAH). The reorganized

Bridgestone/Firestone Inc has reorganized its divisions into a new holding company, Bridgestone/Firestone Americas Holding Inc (BFAH). The reorganized company will continue its operations in North America under John Lampe, who will serve as chief executive officer, chairman, and president of BFAH.

According to Bridgestone/Firestone, the reorganization is designed to take advantage of better financing rates and to focus more on its tire business. Three of the subsidiaries will be limited-liability companies (LLC), which will allow them to maintain different financing rates.

Four operating subsidiaries will report to Lampe: Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire LLC, BFS Retail & Commercial Operations LLC (BFRC), BFS Diversified Products LLC, and Bridgestone Metalpha USA Inc. BFRC will consist of the Bridgestone/Firestone family of company-owned consumer and commercial store chains in the United States and Canada, including Firestone Tire & Service Centers, TiresPlus, and GCR, as well as the company's credit card operations. Larry Magee is CEO, chairman, and president of BFRC, which has headquarters in Bloomingdale IL.