The Bundeskartellamt, Germany's federal antitrust authority, has given the green light for Freudenberg Performance Materials Holding GmbH to acquire Heytex Bramsche GmbH. This merger combines Heytex, a prominent manufacturer of coated technical textiles, with Mehler Texnologies GmbH, another major player in the same sector.

Heytex specializes in producing PVC-coated polyester fabrics, which are utilized in various applications such as truck tarpaulins, silo covers, and tents. The merger is significant as it consolidates the market presence of two of the largest producers of these textiles in Germany.

Freudenberg Group operates globally, supplying technical products across multiple industries, including automotive. The acquisition is expected to enhance its capabilities in the coated textiles market, particularly through its subsidiary, Mehler Texnologies.

Andreas Mundt, President of the Bundeskartellamt, noted that while both companies hold strong market positions in Europe, there are other competitors in the market. The investigation revealed that production machinery is versatile enough to allow competitors to adapt to market changes quickly. Additionally, the presence of Asian imports contributes to competitive pressure in the European Economic Area, leading to the decision to approve the merger.