#Business

2013-09-25

Oerlikon bids for Sulzer Metco

Oerlikon Headquarter in Pfäffikon (c) 2013 Oerlikon

Pursuant to art. 53 et seq. of the Listing Rules of the SIX Swiss Exchange OC Oerlikon confirms its participation in the auction process relating to the sale by Sulzer Ltd of its Metco division. OC Oerlikon has in place clear related-party-transaction policies including a committee, consisting of independent directors, to ensure a due process on the part of OC Oerlikon.

In July 2013 the Swiss pump maker Sulzer announced that it is examing a sale of its Metco coatings division to focus on ist core markets oil and gas, power and water.

Also in July Oerlikon closed the deal selling its natural fiber segment of textile divison "Saurer" to the Chinese Jinsheng Group.

In August Bloomberg reported that aucion for Sulzer Metco will start in September and conjectured that Oerlikon, Praxair of the U.S. and Japan’s IHI may consider bids and private-equity firms also will show interest.

Now Oerlikon has confirmed its interest.

Patrick Laager, an analyst at Credit Suisse, had formerly written in an e-mail to investors that Switzerland-based Oerlikon is looking to expand with coating deals to strengthen its existing segment coating which is the world’s leading supplier of PVD coatings for tools and precision components. Furthermore of interest: Oerlikon's largest shareholder Viktor Vekselberg is also the biggest investor in Sulzer.

Sulzer Metco could be an interesting Investment. The company is a leading surface solutions provider with a global presence and is focused on supporting their customers with specialized components and innovative surface engineering products and services, using advanced coating and surface enhancement technologies.

Oerlikon Manmade Fibers Solutions hosted successful Technology Day 2025 in India

Oerlikon Manmade Fibers Solutions recently hosted its highly anticipated Innovation and Technology Day at the Deltin Hotel in Daman by end of January 2025. The event attracted over 300 participants, including industry experts, partners, and stakeholders, who gathered to explore the latest advancements and trends in the manmade fibers industry in India.

Oerlikon reports third quarter 2024 results, highlights strong execution in a challenging market landscape

In the third quarter of 2024, Oerlikon reported a stable operational Group EBITDA margin, despite challenging market conditions, thanks to a focus on pricing, cost management, and efficiency across both divisions. Group order intake saw a 4% year-over-year decline at constant FX, attributed to temporary market softness in Surface Solutions, while orders in Polymer Processing Solutions showed signs of stabilization.

BTMA backs global growth while investing in future UK leaders

As one of a number of new initiatives launched this year, the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) is launching the UK-India Textile Machinery Coalition. The UK-India Free Trade Agreement, signed in July 2025, has implications that extend across sourcing, competitiveness and long-term trade dynamics, believes BTMA CEO Jason Kent.

Sandler turns financial stability into a catalyst for shaping the future

The Sandler Group has presented its financial figures for the past fiscal year (01/01/2025-12/31/2025). Like previous years, the year 2025 was also marked by industry-wide structural challenges and geopolitical uncertainties. Turnover was virtually stable at EUR 321 million (2024: EUR 326 million). High energy costs continue to weigh heavily on profitability. The number of employees was 975 (2024: 980). The family-owned company, which was founded in 1879 and has been run by the fifth generation since August 2025, continues to invest millions in its Schwarzenbach site despite the high production costs in Germany. As part of the long-term corporate strategy, the management team is focusing on strict cost management, further development of the product portfolio, and greater efficiency in production and administrative processes. The company does not expect a market recovery in 2026 and 2027.

Rieter advances strategic repositioning amid market volatility

Rieter successfully completed the acquisition of Barmag on February 2, 2026, and reached an important milestone in the company’s repositioning. Barmag will be integrated into the Rieter Group as the “Man-Made Fiber” Division. With this strategically transformative acquisition, Rieter is expanding its core business beyond the short-staple fiber business in a targeted way. This positions Rieter as the global market leader along the entire value chain for natural and man-made fibers. In addition, as a complete systems supplier, Rieter is further strengthening its technological leadership in the areas of automation and digitization.

Huixing acquires insolvent Mayer & Cie.

Insolvency proceedings for the circular knitting and braiding machine manufacturer Mayer & Cie. were opened on December 1, 2025. Immediately following the opening of proceedings, the complete cessation of business operations was initiated. Most employees were subsequently given notice effective the end of February 2026. The production of the remaining orders in the circular knitting segment is expected to be completed by the end of the month. As early as December 2025, Mayer & Cie.’s braiding machine division was sold to an Italian investor.

Techtextil 2026: KARL MAYER impresses as an innovative sector partner

KARL MAYER looks back with satisfaction on its participation in Techtextil 2026. From April 21 to 24, the international industry leader used the trade show in Frankfurt to meet with numerous key customers at its booth and, at the same time, establish many new contacts. Most visitors came from Germany, followed by major markets such as Poland, the United Kingdom, Turkey, France, and Portugal.

China projected to increase cotton production, yields, and imports in 2026/27

World cotton production in the 2026/27 season is projected at 25.9 million tonnes, exceeding global consumption of 25.2 million tonnes, according to the May 2026 issue of Cotton This Month. That means both production and consumption are expected to remain close to current season levels, while global cotton trade is projected to decline by 2.7% to approximately 9.6-9.7 million tonnes.