Rieter Barmag acquisition – Auto DraftRieter Signals Bold Yet Costly Organizational Shift as Barmag Acquisition Reshapes Its Future Structure and Global Fiber Technology Strategy 14-12-2025
Rieter Barmag acquisition
Rieter prepares for a major organizational shift ahead of Barmag acquisition
Rieter is entering a transformative phase as it prepares for the planned Barmag acquisition from OC Oerlikon. The company expects to receive all required regulatory approvals by the fourth quarter of 2025. To ensure a smooth transition and to position itself for future growth, Rieter has announced a comprehensive reorganization that will take effect on January 1, 2026.
This strategic move is designed to improve agility, enhance customer focus, and strengthen its technological leadership across both natural and man-made fiber systems. Rieter Barmag acquisition
The Rieter Barmag acquisition represents a pivotal moment for the group. By adapting its organizational structure in advance, Rieter aims to respond faster to shifting market conditions while creating clearer accountability across its business units. The new structure simplifies operations and aligns leadership more closely with customer needs and innovation priorities.
Merger of Machines and Systems with After Sales
One of the most significant changes is the merger of the Machines and Systems Division with the After Sales Division. The combined unit will operate under the name Short-Staple Fiber Division and will be led by Alexander Özbahadir. This division will be responsible for the entire short-staple fiber business, covering machinery, systems, and services in a more integrated way.
By uniting sales, service, and systems under one leadership structure, Rieter expects stronger coordination and faster response times. The Short-Staple Fiber Division will place increased emphasis on regional market requirements, allowing teams to adapt solutions more precisely to customer expectations. This customer-centric approach is expected to enhance long-term relationships and improve service efficiency across global markets. Rieter Barmag acquisition
Strengthening innovation through Components and Technology
Under the new structure, the Components and Technology Division will be led by Roger Albrecht. His mandate focuses on accelerating innovation, expanding Rieter’s footprint in the components market, and reinforcing technological leadership. This division plays a critical role in supporting both internal development and external partnerships.
Closer collaboration with established component brands such as Accotex, Bräcker, Graf, Novibra, Suessen, SSM, and Temco will be a key priority. Rieter Barmag acquisition
By integrating development efforts more tightly, Rieter aims to shorten innovation cycles and bring advanced technologies to market more efficiently. This strategic alignment strengthens Rieter’s position as a full-solution provider across the textile value chain.
Leadership transition and continuity
Serge Entleitner, who has been instrumental in building the Components Division, will step down from the Group Executive Committee at the end of 2025. His departure marks the conclusion of an important chapter for Rieter. However, continuity will be maintained, as he will continue to support selected strategic projects until his planned retirement in 2027. Rieter Barmag acquisition
Rieter has acknowledged Entleitner’s leadership and long-standing contribution, highlighting the importance of stability during a period of transformation. This measured transition reflects the company’s intention to balance renewal with experience as it navigates organizational change.
Integration of Man-Made Fiber after Barmag acquisition
Following the completion of the Rieter Barmag acquisition, the Man-Made Fiber Division will formally join the Rieter Group. Georg Stausberg will continue to lead this division and will also become a member of the Group Executive Committee. His continued leadership ensures operational consistency while enabling deeper integration with Rieter’s existing businesses.
The addition of man-made fiber capabilities significantly broadens Rieter’s technology portfolio. It reinforces the company’s ambition to be a global leader across both natural and synthetic fiber systems, offering customers a more comprehensive range of solutions under one organizational umbrella. Rieter Barmag acquisition
New Group Executive Board from 2026
From January 1, 2026, the Rieter Group Executive Board will consist of a streamlined leadership team designed to support faster decision-making and clearer strategic focus. The board will include Thomas Oetterli as CEO, Oliver Streuli as CFO, and Emmanuelle Gmür as CHRO. They will be joined by Alexander Özbahadir as Head of Short-Staple Fiber, Roger Albrecht as Head of Components and Technology, and Georg Stausberg as Head of Man-Made Fiber following the acquisition closing.
This simplified governance structure reflects Rieter’s commitment to operational efficiency and cross-divisional collaboration. Clear leadership roles are intended to support innovation, accountability, and long-term value creation.
Cost measures and market adaptation
Alongside structural changes, Rieter is implementing measures to adapt to ongoing weak market conditions. Production capacity will be adjusted to better align with demand, supply chains will be simplified, and overhead roles will be reduced. These steps are intended to protect profitability while maintaining core competencies.
The company expects one-time costs of CHF 30–35 million related to these measures. Once fully implemented, the changes are projected to generate annual savings of close to CHF 30 million. These efficiency gains are designed to strengthen Rieter’s financial resilience during the integration phase of the Rieter Barmag acquisition.
A defining moment for Rieter
This organizational shift marks a defining moment for Rieter. By preparing its structure ahead of the Barmag integration, the company is laying the foundation for sustainable growth and stronger market positioning. The combination of simplified governance, enhanced customer focus, and reinforced technological leadership positions Rieter to compete more effectively in a rapidly evolving textile industry.
As the Rieter Barmag acquisition progresses toward completion, the company’s proactive restructuring demonstrates a clear commitment to long-term value creation across global fiber technologies.
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