Swiss textile machinery specialist Rieter Holding AG has successfully completed its acquisition of Oerlikon Barmag, the filament systems business formerly part of OC Oerlikon, marking a major milestone in the company’s growth strategy and reshaping the global textile machinery market.
The transaction, which had been announced in May 2025 and secured all necessary regulatory approvals in late 2025, officially closed on 2 February 2026. Under the terms of the deal, Barmag will now be fully consolidated into the Rieter Group as its new “Man-Made Fiber” Division, while continuing operations under its existing management.
The acquisition unites Rieter’s traditional strength in short-staple fiber systems with Barmag’s leading technologies for man-made fiber production, including filament spinning systems, texturing machines, bulk continuous filament (BCF) systems, and nonwoven solutions areas where demand is growing rapidly as global consumption of synthetic fibers increases.
Together, the combined business creates the world’s first full-spectrum system provider for both natural and synthetic fiber processing a move expected to significantly enhance Rieter’s competitive position, broaden its product portfolio, and deliver greater value across the textile value chain.
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While the enterprise value of the transaction is reported at CHF 850 million, subject to earn-out provisions, the initial equity purchase price agreed in 2025 was approximately CHF 713 million, backed by a capital increase and long-term bank financing.Rieter’s capital raise in October 2025, supported by key shareholders, played a central role in funding the acquisition without jeopardizing balance-sheet stability.
The proceeds from the Barmag sale are being used by Oerlikon to reduce debt, invest in its core surface technology business, and potentially return value to shareholders as part of its strategic shift toward advanced materials and surface solutions.
Barmag’s current CEO, Georg Stausberg, will continue to lead the newly established Man-Made Fiber Division and will join Rieter’s Group Executive Committee, reporting directly to Rieter CEO Thomas Oetterli.
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The integration strategy emphasizes continuity, preserving Barmag’s operational strengths and customer focus while fully leveraging synergies across Rieter’s expanded product offerings.
Rieter’s expanded portfolio positions it as the world’s leading textile machinery systems provider, capable of addressing the full spectrum of textile manufacturing needs from traditional spinning mills to advanced synthetic and nonwoven fiber production.
Thomas Oetterli characterized the deal as “an important milestone in the implementation of our corporate strategy,” highlighting the complementary fit between the two companies and the potential for profitable long-term growth.
The combined strengths are expected to accelerate automation, digitization and sustainable solutions in textile manufacturing, particularly in high-growth regions such as Asia-Pacific, where demand for synthetic fibers and technical textiles continues to rise.
