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Rieter strengthens components business through Graf Group acquisition

04 Oct '05

2 min read

Winterthur based Rieter Holding Ltd acquired the entire share capital of Hogra Holding AG, the parent company of the Graf Group, on October 3, 2005.

This will further augment Rieter Textile Systems' leading role as one of the world's largest suppliers of technology
components in the staple fiber machinery sector.

In 2004 the Graf Group generated sales of some 90 million CHF, about 7 million CHF of which were made to Rieter, with a workforce of almost 600, of whom 180 are employed in Switzerland.

Its two largest production locations are in Switzerland (Rapperswil) and the Netherlands (Enschede).

The Graf Group is a technology and market leader engaged in developing, manufacturing and marketing card clothing, combs and clothing for combing machinery as well as service machines
for various spinning processes in the staple fiber sector worldwide.

Clothing sets are wearing components and have to be replaced periodically. The company also occupies a strong position as
a component manufacturer for the nonwovens sector.

Graf's customers include spinning machinery manufacturers and spinning mills. The group has long been a valued supplier of key components to Rieter, and Rieter Textile Systems has maintained a successful technology partnership with the group for some years.

Hogra Holding AG is based in Freienbach, Switzerland, and is wholly owned by Ralph A. Graf, who has successfully managed this family-controlled company since 1978. The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.

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