TRELLEBORG, Sweden -- Trelleborg has announced that its acquisition of U.K.-based Watts Tyre Group was finalized on Feb. 4.

The company said this acquisition strengthens Trelleborg’s leading global position in industrial tires, through geographic expansion and an increased presence in the aftermarket. Watts has annual sales of approximately SEK 300 M (about $46 million) and about 210 employees. The Watts Tyre Group operation will be integrated into Trelleborg Wheel Systems business area.

Trelleborg has announced number of acquisitions and joint venture agreements in the past several months, including a new joint venture in antivibration solutions with Freudenberg and its acqusition of Lutz Sales, a privately owned distributor in the U.S.