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Corporate Update

Santoni Shanghai Acquires Terrot In A Move To Build New Ecosystem

• By  Textile Excellence
• September 13, 2023

A New Global Leader Of Circular Knitting Machine Industry Is Born.

Santoni Shanghai Knitting Machinery Co., Ltd., wholly owned by Italy’s Lonati family, today announced the acquisition of Terrot GmbH, a leading manufacturer of circular knitting machines based in Chemnitz, Germany. This is a significant development in line with Santoni Shanghai’s long-term vision to build an ecosystem which aims to reshape and consolidate the circular knitting industry. The transaction is subject to pending approval from Chinese regulatory authorities.

The outlook for the global circular knitting machine market is expected to see significant growth from 2023 to 2030 as per a recent report from Consegic Business Intelligence that forecasts a CAGR of 5.7% in the said period. The growth is predicted to be propelled by an increasing consumer preference for breathable and comfortable knitted fabrics as well as increasing diversification of demand for knitted apparel. To cater to this market opportunity, Santoni Shanghai has chalked an ambitious strategy that is centered around innovation, sustainability and digitalization. The new partnership with Terrot aims to further strengthen this strategy by enhancing Santoni’s integrated and scaled-up ecosystem, while also driving the sustainable development of the global knitting machinery industry.

“The integration of Terrot, which also includes the well-known Pilotelli brand, will bring an immediate and extraordinary boost to our products portfolio,” said Gianpietro Belotti, CEO of Santoni Shanghai. “Terrot’s incredible technical capabilities, extensive product range and vast experience in serving customers all over the world will enable us to better achieve our shared aspirations. We are very excited about this partnership and look forward to working with Terrot as we move towards establishing a pioneering industry ecosystem, realizing our mission to providing customers with an utterly new knitting experience.” Gianpietro Belotti added.

“With the strategic investment of Santoni, we aim to strengthen our position as the preferred solution provider to many of the world’s leading textile manufacturers and top brands as well as continue working with industry talents as we provide valuable and essential know-how to drive premium ‘Made in Germany’ textile machinery.” said Robert Czajkowski, Managing Director of Terrot GmbH. "We have found a strong, globally active partner with clear dedication to quality, performance and excellent expertise in circular knitting segments, who understands the unique value proposition and potentials of our portfolio and with whom we can realize our growth objectives” he added.

Terrot GmbH Co-Managing Director Dirk Lange expressed his similar conviction that Santoni was the perfect partner for Terrot’s ambitions. “Having defined our strategic growth targets, we are now embarking on the next exciting chapter in our long and successful history, one that includes a 160-year tradition of textile machinery manufacturing.” Lange said.

By creating synergies and integrating capabilities in production, sourcing, innovative technologies, sustainability, software and digitization, both partners are confident that future joint projects will present numerous opportunities to serve all of major textile manufacturing centers like China, ASEAN countries, South and Central Asia, Mediterranean Countries and the Americas by unlocking exceptional value for all global textile & apparel players.

We are very excited about this partnership and look forward to working with Terrot as we move towards establishing a pioneering industry ecosystem, realizing our mission to providing customers with an utterly new knitting experience.” Gianpietro Belotti, CEO, Santoni Shanghai