UZWIL/WINTERTHUR, Switzerland — October 26, 2011 — Uzwil-based technology group Bühler is to
acquire two manufacturing facilities in the Czech Republic from Rieter, the textile machinery group
based in Winterthur. These operate as suppliers to Rieter and other companies in various industrial
sectors. This move gives both companies additional flexibility in manufacturing and in balancing
capacity, and creates optimal preconditions for the long-term further development of these plants.
Additional manufacturing flexibility for Rieter
The manufacturing operations earmarked for sale (employing a workforce of 315 at the end of
2010) are located in Zamberk and Ústí nad Orlicí, and are part of Rieter CZ, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Rieter Group. As manufacturers of subassemblies, components and sheet metal parts
they operate mainly as suppliers to Rieter. Business with third-party customers in different
industrial sectors has been expanded progressively in recent years. Rieter also intends to employ
these plants in future as suppliers for its textile machinery manufacturing activities. However, in
light of the further expansion of its business in the major Asian markets Rieter foresees changes
in the volume of purchases from its Czech facility.
Through the transfer of this business to a new industrial owner (Bühler), Rieter will gain
additional flexibility in manufacturing and at the same time create optimal development prospects
for the plants being sold. Rieter’s remaining activities at the Ústí nad Orlicí and Boskovice sites
are not affected by this transaction.
Reinforcement of Bühler’s manufacturing capacity close to the market
Bühler will not only retain all Rieter employees, but also plans further investment in the
Czech manufacturing site. In reinforcing its manufacturing capacity in Europe, and especially in
eastern Europe, it is pursuing the principle of producing efficiently and cost-effectively, as
close as possible to the market.
The acquisition in the Czech Republic will at the same time increase the group’s flexibility
by enabling the targeted growth in output to be handled in-house, and will create scope to improve
throughput times. As a result of Rieter’s ownership of these manufacturing facilities to date
Bühler will benefit from their high quality standards, their know-how and their familiarity with
Swiss corporate culture.
The transaction is expected to be completed in January 2012. The parties have agreed not to
disclose the purchase price.
Posted on November 1, 2011
Source: Rieter Holding Ltd.
