Filc boss Anže Manfreda believes Freudenberg, a multinational with the broadest tech platform for needlepunch nonwoven textiles, is an ideal partner for Filc.

Being part of it will enable Filc to expand in the region and the world, which should encourage its growth and development, Manfreda said in a press release.

Filc employs around 360 workers at three locations in Slovenia, apart from Škofja Loka also in Mengeš and Lendava.

While founded in 1937, it entered the needlepunch nonwoven textiles business in 1963.

Executive director of the Freudenberg group Mohsen Sohi said the takeover was meant to strengthen the multinational's business with high performance materials.

Frank Heislitz, executive director of Freudenberg Performance Materials, said the takeover will enable them to expand their know-how in acoustics in both the car and construction industries and offer their clients a large tech portfolio of laminating and surface treatment.

Freudenberg Performance Materials is a global leader in technical textiles, nonwovens and fibre suited for many types of industry.

In 2018, it had 23 production locations in 13 countries, employing over 3,600 workers and generating more than EUR 920 million in revenue.