Rieter advances repositioning with Barmag acquisition

Strategic acquisition expands fiber value chain and market scope.

Rieter has completed a key step in its strategic repositioning with the acquisition of Barmag on February 2, 2026. The acquired business will be integrated as the Man-Made Fiber Division, expanding Rieter’s capabilities beyond its traditional short-staple fiber operations and positioning the company as a global market leader across the full value chain for natural and man-made fibers.

The acquisition aligns with Rieter’s long-term growth strategy and builds on earlier portfolio expansions. The move strengthens its technological leadership in automation and digitisation while broadening its reach into the growing man-made fiber market. The company expects this diversification to enhance resilience against cyclical market fluctuations and support long-term growth, particularly in the strategically important Asian region.

For the 2025 financial year, order intake remained stable at CHF 703.4 million on a currency-adjusted basis, compared to CHF 725.5 million in 2024. However, global trade tensions, including punitive US tariffs and geopolitical uncertainty, delayed a broader market recovery. While demand increased in the Machines & Systems Division, uncertainty surrounding customs tariffs affected order completion. Lower investment activity also weighed on component demand, though the After Sales Division recorded a 6% rise in orders, supported by expanded service networks and increased activity in markets such as China and Central Asia.

Group sales for 2025 declined 20% year on year to CHF 685.1 million. Despite lower revenues, Rieter reported a positive operating EBIT of CHF 2.5 million due to cost-control measures. However, restructuring expenses and transaction costs related to the acquisition resulted in a net loss of CHF 63.4 million. Looking ahead, Rieter expects 2026 to be a transition year, projecting sales between CHF 1.3 billion and CHF 1.5 billion with an operating EBIT margin of 0 to 3%. The company has also outlined medium-term targets, anticipating sales growth under varying market conditions as synergies from the acquisition materialise