Fredericks Michael & Co. acted as exclusive financial advisor to Aquafil S.p.A., an Italy-based global leader in the production of nylon on its acquisition of O’Mara, Incorporated.
Founded in 1965 in Arco, Italy, and listed on the Italian stock exchange since 2017, Aquafil is one of the main players, in Italy and worldwide, in the production of polyamide 6 (nylon 6). Aquafil operates through two product areas: yarn for carpets and yarn for garments. Aquafil operates in eight countries across three different continents, with over 2,800 employees and 16 production plants located in Italy, Germany, Scotland, Slovenia, Croatia, Unites States, Thailand and China.
The transaction is part of Aquafil’s objective to strengthen its presence in the US market. O’Mara’s identity and market positioning fully align with those of Aquafil. This compatibility accelerates the globalization process of the textiles business with positive consequences for Aquafil’s ECONYL® and Dryarn® products. O’Mara will provide access to a broader product range, thereby driving further development in the US market in the athletic apparel, hosiery, fashion and accessories sectors. Aquafil will benefit also from trade agreements between the US federal government and certain Central and South American countries, which allow for exemptions from US tariffs on apparel produced in the latter countries using yarns of US origin.
About O’Mara
Founded in 1970 by textile leader J. Joseph O’Mara, Jr., O’Mara has grown into a leading vertical supplier of textured polyester, nylon and polypropylene in solution-dyed colors and naturals for automotive fabrics, industrial, narrow-elastics waist bands, denim, sheer hosiery, socks, apparel, and contract upholstery, worldwide. For more information, visit www.omarainc.com
About Aquafil
Aquafil is a pioneer in the circular economy also thanks to the ECONYL® regeneration system, an innovative and sustainable process able to create new products from waste and give life to an endless cycle. The nylon waste is collected in locations globally and includes industrial waste and products such as fishing nets and rugs. Such waste is processed to obtain a raw material – caprolactam - with the same chemical and performance characteristics as those from fossil sources. The polymers produced from ECONYL® caprolactam are distributed to Aquafil’s production plants, where they are transformed into yarn for carpet flooring and for clothing. For more information, visit www.aquafil.com
