Rieter Acquires Textile Component Maker Berkol

Winterthur, Switzerland, November 13, 2007—Textile and automotive supplier Rieter will acquire textile component manufacturer Berkol, a unit of Huber+ Suhner AG based in Zurich, Switzerland.

The Textile Systems Division will expand its product portfolio in the technology components sector and extend its lead as the world’s largest supplier of technology components for staple fiber spinning machines.

Berkol develops and manufactures top roller covers and aprons for spinning machines as well as machinery and equipment for maintaining and servicing them. The components are supplied to both spinning mills and machinery manufacturers worldwide. Rollers and aprons used in different spinning processes are important for yarn quality, since they come into direct contact with the fibers being processed.

The sale will be effective January 1. Berkol will be integrated in Bräcker AG, a Rieter company. Bräcker manufactures ring travelers and spinning rings for ring spinning machines.