Freudenberg, the global technology group, has signed a final agreement to acquire 100% of the shares of Filc. Filc is a producer of needlepunch nonwoven textiles and laminated materials with a focus on the automotive and construction industry. Privately-owned Filc is headquartered in Škofja Loka, Slovenia, and operates two more production sites in Mengeš and Lendava, Slovenia, as well as a sales office in Dayton, OH. Filc has roughly 360 employees. The transaction is subject to approval by the antitrust authorities.

“With the acquisition, we would like to further strengthen our performance materials business, and expand our portfolio and  technological footprint in Europe,” says Dr. Mohsen Sohi, Freudenberg Group CEO.

“Filc has great needlepunch know-how which we will benefit from, especially in terms of composites. Filc's exceptionally good adhesive coating abilities will allow us to offer customer solutions in adjacent segments in the construction business,” explains Dr. Frank Heislitz, Freudenberg Performance Materials CEO. “In addition, we will expand our technical expertise in acoustics, both in construction and automotive, and provide customers a broad technology portfolio with lamination, printing, and coating."

“Becoming part of a globally active company offers an opportunity for regional and global expansion of our business. In addition, sharing our expertise in technology will be crucial to scale up our growth,” adds Anže Manfreda, CEO of Filc.

The company was founded in 1937 and has been in the nonwovens business since 1963. Freudenberg has a long-standing global footprint and the broadest technology platform in the nonwovens industry and is thus an ideal partner for Filc.