Swiss textile machinery maker Rieter said it has reached a key milestone in its strategic repositioning following the successful completion of the Barmag acquisition, as the company prepares for long-term growth despite a weaker 2025 market.
The Winterthur-based group confirmed that Barmag was fully acquired on February 2, 2026 and will operate as the new Man-Made Fiber Division, expanding Rieter’s business beyond short-staple spinning technology. The move positions the company as a system supplier across the full value chain for natural and man-made fibers while strengthening its automation and digitalization capabilities.
Rieter reported order intake of CHF 703.4 million for 2025, slightly below CHF 725.5 million a year earlier, while sales declined 20 percent year on year to CHF 685.1 million amid continued geopolitical uncertainty and delayed market recovery.
Despite lower revenue, the group achieved a positive operating EBIT of CHF 2.5 million before restructuring and transaction costs, supported by cost control measures. However, extraordinary expenses of CHF 54.2 million related to restructuring and the Barmag deal pushed the company to a net loss of CHF 63.4 million for the year.
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Segment performance remained mixed. Machines & Systems recorded orders of CHF 346.3 million, Components generated CHF 193.5 million, and the After Sales business stood out with a 6 percent rise in order intake to CHF 163.6 million, driven by stronger activity in China and Central Asia and expansion of the service network.
Management said the acquisition is a core step in its long-term growth strategy, allowing entry into the structurally expanding man-made fiber market and reducing dependence on cyclical demand in individual segments. The new division is also expected to reinforce the company’s position in Asia.
For 2026, which Rieter described as a transition year, the group expects sales between CHF 1.3 billion and CHF 1.5 billion with an operating EBIT margin of 0 to 3 percent as integration and restructuring continue.
Over the medium term, the company sees potential sales ranging from about CHF 1.4 billion in a subdued market to CHF 2.2 billion in a strong demand environment, supported by anticipated synergies of at least CHF 20 million from the Barmag acquisition.
