A Bridgestone official in Moscow said on Thursday the Japanese company had signed a preliminary agreement with Russian tyre maker Amtel to produce tyres at an Amtel factory in Russia.
"Yes, I can confirm we have signed a preliminary agreement with them to produce tyres at Amtel's Kirov plant," said the official, who asked not to be named.
Amtel said on Wednesday it may end its co-operation with Finland's Nokian Renkaat, its joint venture partner in Russia.
Amtel, a major player on the Russian tyre market, said it was in talks with a number of Western tyre makers and may tie up with Bridgestone instead.
The Bridgestone official said his company was not currently in talks with Amtel about deepening their partnership in Russia.
The future of Amtel's joint venture with Nokian was in the hands of the Russian tyre maker, he said.
"It's their (Amtel's) choice whether to work with Nokian or Bridgestone. It would be nice if it's us."
Nokian shares sank more than seven percent to 59 euros on the news. The company was not immediately available for comment.
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