Beaulieu International Group (B.I.G.) has announced the signing of a share purchase agreement to acquire 100% of the shares in IFG Asota GmbH, an Austrian fibre producer and one of the key players in the global synthetic staple fibres market. The transaction is intended to strengthen the Beaulieu Fibres International (BFI) division and represents a further step in the implementation of the strategy to build a position as a trusted partner for sustainable nonwoven solutions. Completion of the acquisition is subject to standard closing conditions and is expected in mid-February 2026. The company does not disclose financial details of the transaction.
IFG Asota profile and material expertise
IFG Asota GmbH brings to the Beaulieu Group extensive expertise in fibres based on polymers such as polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), polyethylene (PE) and biopolymers, including polylactic acid (PLA). The company’s portfolio covers solutions for a wide range of high value-added markets, including flooring, automotive, filtration and various technical applications.
The company is particularly recognised for its strong innovation capabilities. Its research and development work is supported by a research centre equipped with a unique pilot line that enables prototyping of new fibre types. This kind of infrastructure makes it possible to accelerate development projects by testing and validating new material concepts under conditions close to industrial practice.
The extensive know-how of IFG Asota in technical applications and the use of biobased and recycled polymers is expected to accelerate the implementation of Beaulieu’s roadmap in the area of product development. Integrating these competencies into Beaulieu Fibres International is intended to support the building of a position as a supplier of solutions with enhanced performance and environmental characteristics.
Strategic fit and objectives of Beaulieu Fibres International
For Beaulieu, the acquisition of IFG Asota GmbH is a natural and strategic complement to the activities of Beaulieu Fibres International. The transaction is in line with the company’s stated ambition to be “the most complete staple fibre expert” and to enable customers to go beyond current limits in terms of performance, sustainability and manufacturing efficiency in the technical nonwovens segment, for both disposable and durable products.
Jean-Baptiste De Ruyck, CEO, emphasises that the transaction is development-oriented and part of a broader strategy to build a global platform in the field of synthetic fibres. "Our ambition is clear. We are building a flexible and agile global platform that reinforces our leadership, strengthens our presence in existing markets, and opens the door to new, untapped territories. The acquisition of Asota accelerates this journey."
Expanding capabilities in various types of fibre polymers, including biopolymers, is expected in this context to support the development of solutions aimed at reducing environmental impact and better matching materials to application requirements in specific segments of the nonwoven and technical textiles market.
Strengthening position in Europe and global markets
In line with Beaulieu’s overall business strategy, the Group continues to actively seek opportunities to strengthen its market position while expanding its geographical reach. Combining Beaulieu’s industrial production base and operational experience with Asota’s material expertise and research and development capabilities is intended to further reinforce the Group’s role as a reliable fibre supplier for customers on international markets.
It is envisaged that Beaulieu’s existing production asset base will be used to scale up solutions developed at IFG Asota and to achieve more efficient integration of operational and R&D activities. In the medium and long term, this is expected to support the development of the offering in segments where both the technical performance of fibres and the environmental profile of the raw materials used are critical.
In parallel with the acquisition process, a toll manufacturing agreement between IFG Exelto and Beaulieu Fibres International is planned, to take effect upon closing of the transaction. Under this agreement, Exelto will manufacture fibres on behalf of BFI, providing operational flexibility and access to production capacity.
This cooperation has been designed to secure manufacturing capacity and continuity of customer service during the integration phase and the further development of activities in the synthetic fibres segment.
Development prospects and next steps
Following completion of the transaction, Beaulieu and IFG Asota GmbH plan to continue investing in innovation, sustainability and solutions tailored to specific customer needs. These activities are intended to support the evolving requirements of the nonwoven and technical textiles markets, including increasing expectations regarding material performance and environmental impact.
The acquisition of IFG Asota has been defined as an important stage in the implementation of Beaulieu’s long-term growth strategy and in shaping the future of Beaulieu Fibres International. The gradual integration of technical competencies, product portfolios and research and development resources of both entities is planned, with the aim of further expanding the offering of fibres for nonwovens and technical applications.
