Germany

On October 8, 1871 nine bankers and industrialists from the German city of Hannover founded Continental-Caoutchouc & Gutta-Percha Compagnie as a joint stock company. The firm began life with joint stock valued at some 300,000 thalers, an amount equating to a present-day purchasing power of approximately 6.3 million euros, and at its first plant in Hannover a workforce of around 200 produced a range of rubber products including hot water bottles, toy dolls and solid tyres for carriages and bicycles. Now Continental Tyres is a leading automotive supplier and - according to the company - is "the choice of leading car manufacturers, offering award-winning tyres that deliver responsive braking in all weather conditions."

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