In a Feb. 1 news release, Belgium-based fabric suppliers Bekaert Textiles and DesleeClama announced they have reached an agreement under which Bekaert will acquire DesleeClama. The new entity BekaertDeslee Textiles will combine “their strengths (to) create a customer-centered company with a unique global footprint, higher speed of delivery and a comprehensive product portfolio.”
The deal is subject to regulatory approval and is “fueled by the increased awareness about the importance of sleep and the acceleration of the global mattress market,” according to the release.
Together, the companies have a sales presence in 100 countries with 19 manufacturing locations that cover every continent.
“This transaction is the realization of a longstanding ambition,” said Dirk Vandeplancke, chief executive officer of Waregem-based Bekaert. “We quickly found common ground and I am pleased that both Jos and Hans commit to shape our future together as members of the management team of BekaertDeslee Textiles.”
In commenting on the merger, Jos Deslee, co-CEO, along with Hans Dewaele, of Zonnebeke-based DesleeClama said, “BekaertDeslee Textiles is the right industrial project that will deliver accelerated growth for the combined organization.”
Deslee is a third-generation, family-owned company. Bekaert was acquired by German private equity firm Franz Haniel & Cie. GmbH from Gamma Holding in 2015.
Haniel CEO Stephan Gemkow said, “The acquisition is carried out with (our) full support and underlines our buy and build approach–identify promising niches, buy new businesses and then promote the further sustainable growth. We are sure that this merger will create added value.”
