German textile machinery maker KARL MAYER has signed an agreement to transfer selected assets from its discontinued STOLL flat knitting business to China’s Ningbo Cixing Co., Ltd., in a move that underscores its strategic shift toward core textile technologies.
The agreement, announced on Tuesday, includes the transfer of the STOLL brand, certain materials and inventory, and specific technological assets. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, and the transaction remains subject to closing at a later date.
The divestiture follows KARL MAYER’s decision in early 2025 to exit the flat knitting segment and concentrate on its primary business areas: warp knitting, warp preparation, and technical textiles. As part of that restructuring, the company shut down its STOLL flat knitting operations and closed its production site in Reutlingen in October 2025.
“The agreement represents a further step in aligning our business portfolio with our long-term strategic focus,” the company said in its press statement.
The STOLL brand, long recognized in the global flat knitting machine market, will now fall under the control of the CIXING Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of computerized flat knitting machines. Industry analysts say the acquisition could strengthen CIXING’s technological capabilities and expand its international presence, particularly in Europe.
However, KARL MAYER emphasized that the future use and development of the acquired assets will be solely determined by CIXING, and no further details have yet been provided regarding how the brand or technologies will be integrated into the Chinese group’s operations.
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“The future utilization of these assets is not part of the agreement and will be communicated by CIXING Group in due course,” the company said.
Despite the divestiture, KARL MAYER assured customers that all existing warranty obligations for STOLL machines will be fully honored. The company also confirmed that a transition plan is in place to gradually shift service and support for the installed base of STOLL machines to CIXING later this year.
This handover is expected to be closely watched by industry stakeholders, as it will determine how seamlessly customers adapt to the change in service provider. Maintaining continuity in technical support and spare parts availability will be critical to preserving confidence among existing STOLL users.
The deal reflects broader structural changes in the global textile machinery sector, where companies are increasingly focusing on specialized, high-growth segments while divesting from areas with slower returns or intensifying competition.
KARL MAYER’s renewed emphasis on warp knitting and technical textiles aligns with rising global demand for advanced materials used in sectors such as automotive, construction, medical textiles, and performance apparel. These segments are widely seen as offering higher margins and stronger growth potential compared to traditional knitting technologies.
For CIXING, the acquisition presents an opportunity to absorb established European technology and branding into its portfolio at a time when Chinese manufacturers are seeking to move up the value chain and enhance their global competitiveness.
Market observers note that the integration of STOLL’s legacy expertise could help CIXING accelerate innovation in flat knitting, particularly in areas such as digitalization, automation, and sustainable production processes.
While the deal marks the end of an era for KARL MAYER’s involvement in flat knitting, it also signals a clear commitment to reshaping its business for future growth. By streamlining operations and focusing on core competencies, the company aims to strengthen its position in an increasingly competitive and technologically evolving industry.
Further updates on the transaction are expected once the closing process is completed and CIXING outlines its plans for the acquired assets.
