Pirelli & C. SpA is industrial company based in Milan, Italy. Founded in Milan in 1872 by Giovanni Battista Pirelli, at its beginning it specialised in rubber and derivative processes, and effectively its activities still concentrate on the production of tyres, and cables (for energy and telecommunications). In 2005 Pirelli sold its cable division to Goldman Sachs which changed its name to Prysmian.
In 2004, Pirelli tyres are used by Subaru and other competitors in the World Rally Championship.
In the 1950s Alberto Pirelli commissioned the building of a famous skyscraper in Milan in the area in which the first factory was located in the 19th century. Pirelli is the primary sponsor of the Italian soccer club Internazionale and the Brazilian soccer club Palmeiras. They also sponsor the stadium of English Conference side Burton Albion, as the stadium is located next to a Pirelli factory.
The Pirelli Calendar is published yearly and regularly features famous actresses and models such as Jennifer Lopez. The Pirelli Internetional Award is given annually for the best international multimedia involving the communication of Science & Technology conducted entirely on the Internet.
“Power is nothing without control,” is the well known slogan of Pirelli Tyre Company and is featured in numerous television and print advertisements.