Germany’s Fuchs SE completed full acquisition of its Turkish joint venture with Opet, consolidating its position in a key regional lubricants market, the company announced. The deal gives FUCHS full ownership of the Istanbul-headquartered business, including its production facility in Aliaga, Izmir.
Turkey’s lubricants market is one of the largest in Europe, with annual demand estimated at between 700,000 and 800,000 metric tons. It is characterized by strong demand from construction, mining, manufacturing and vehicle production, alongside a sizable automotive aftermarket for a vehicle parc of more than 25 million units.
The Mannheim-based group confirmed it had acquired the remaining 50% stake in Opet Fuchs, following an agreement signed in February 2026 and regulatory approvals.
“The Turkish market is of great strategic importance to us due to its market size, industrial base and growth prospects. With our 100% subsidiary, we are better positioned to implement the Fuchs strategy in Turkey and to leverage the advantages of the global Fuchs Group more effectively,” Christian Ohligmacher, Fuchs’ regional vice president for central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Trkey, told Lube Report.
Despite a decade of economic instability, Turkey’s lubricants sector is supported by infrastructure investment and export-oriented industries. The market is also highly competitive, with a mix of multinational suppliers and strong local players.
Fuchs already has an established footprint in Turkey, particularly in industrial lubricants, OEM partnerships and specialty segments. By taking full control of the joint venture, the company is expected to streamline decision-making and align strategy more closely with its global operations.
As part of the transition, Ahmet Oral will become managing director, effective May 1, 2026. Oral previously worked within the joint venture.