The technology company Continental has reached an agreement with Merlett Group, based in Daverio, Italy, on the purchase of its flexible hose business. Financial terms were not disclosed. With this acquisition, Continental is expanding its material expertise beyond rubber, particularly with regard to high-performance thermoplastics technologies and solutions. “Smart hose solutions will help Continental’s customers and industrial operators improve their production efficiency and economic effectiveness. Thermoplastic know-how is key to doing so. That is why we are expanding our technological portfolio by acquiring Merlett Group" Andreas Gerstenberger, head of Continental’s Industrial Fluid Solutions business unit.