Belgium-based fabric suppliers Bekaert Textiles and DesleeClama announced they have reached an agreement under which Bekaert will acquire DesleeClama to become the world’s leading mattress fabric supplier as both companies have an ambitious growth strategy. The new entity BekaertDeslee Textiles will combine their strengths to create a customer-centered company with a unique global footprint, higher speed of delivery and a comprehensive product portfolio.

According to Bekaert, the deal is a cultural fit between two companies having the same background, similar values and a rich tradition. Together, the companies have a sales presence in 100 countries with 19 manufacturing locations that cover every continent, which makes the combination very attractive.

The deal is subject to regulatory approval and is fueled by the increased awareness about the importance of sleep and the acceleration of the global mattress market.

Dirk Vandeplancke, chief executive officer of Waregem-based Bekaert said that this transaction is the realization of a longstanding ambition as they quickly found common.

In commenting on the merger, Jos Deslee, co-CEO, along with Hans Dewaele, of Zonnebeke-based DesleeClama said that BekaertDeslee Textiles is the right industrial project that will deliver accelerated growth for the combined organization.

While, Haniel CEO Stephan Gemkow said that the acquisition is carried out with their full support and underlines their buy and build approach–identify promising niches, buy new businesses and then promote the further sustainable growth. They are sure that this merger will create added value.

Deslee is a third-generation, family-owned company. Bekaert was acquired by German private equity firm Franz Haniel & Cie. GmbH from Gamma Holding in 2015.