Beaulieu International Group (B.I.G.) has signed a share purchase agreement to acquire 100% of IFG Asota GmbH, Duroc's fibre subsidiary based in Linz, Austria, for an enterprise value of approximately SEK 175 million (about €15.5 million), per Duroc's announcement.
The transaction represents a pivotal divestment for Duroc. While the company will record an accounting loss of SEK 35 million, the sale will leave Duroc pro forma net debt free and allow it to sharpen its strategic focus on the more profitable Industrial & Trading segment, accelerating its exit from structurally challenged European fibre operations.
“The divestment of Asota marks the beginning of a new and positive phase for Duroc and our shareholders,” said John Häger, CEO of Duroc. “We are gradually exiting businesses that are highly cyclical and capital intensive, and instead accelerating investments to expand our profitable operations within Industrial & Trading. Significant value has already been created within this segment but has previously been overshadowed by developments within Polymer. I am convinced that the continued rebalancing, combined with new acquisitions, will enable stable and long- term value growth for our shareholders.”
IFG Asota GMBH is a key player in the global synthetic staple fibres market, bringing deep expertise in polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), polyethylene (PE) and biopolymer fibres such as PLA. The company serves a wide range of high-value markets, including flooring, automotive, filtration and other technical applications.
Known for its innovation via a unique pilot line for rapid prototyping, Asota accelerates Beaulieu Fibres International (BFI)'s roadmap to product leadership in biobased, recycled polymers, and nonwoven solutions for both disposable and durable applications.
“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,” said Jean-Baptiste De Ruyck, CEO.
In parallel with the acquisition, Duroc’s IFG Exelto NV will enter a toll manufacturing agreement with BFI upon closing, ensuring operational flexibility, securing capacity, and safeguarding customer service.
B.I.G. will also acquire production equipment from Exelto for €3 million and has secured a three month option to evaluate the UK unit IFG Drake, including the possibility of a future acquisition.
For the 2024/25 financial year, Asota reported SEK 400 million in revenue and SEK 1 million in EBIT.
B.I.G. reported €2 billion in sales and employs more than 4,100 people worldwide.
The transaction, pending regulatory approvals, is set to close in mid-February 2026.
Duroc
Duroc AB is a Stockholm-listed industrial group that acquires, develops and manages companies in industry and trade, leveraging deep technological and market expertise to build strong positions in their respective niches. The company is currently shifting its portfolio away from capital‑intensive, cyclical polymer and fibre operations towards its more profitable and growing Industrial & Trading segment.
Beaulieu International Group (B.I.G.)
As a global family business, Beaulieu International Group develop and co-create flooring and material solutions to enhance the quality of living and working for every generation.
Headquartered in Belgium, B.I.G. employs over 4.100 people worldwide in 18 countries throughout Eurasia, America and Oceania and serves customers in 120 countries. In 2024, B.I.G. reported sales of €2 billion.
Beaulieu Fibres is a leading European supplier of innovative polyolefin and bicomponent fibres for disposable and durable nonwoven technical textile applications. Serving industries such as geotextiles, hygiene, wipes, floor coverings, automotive, filtration, upholstery, composites, and construction.
