South African private equity firm Jacobs Capital has acquired Gelvenor Textiles. This means that Gelvenor is now a 100 per cent South African company. Gelvenor manufactures industrial, technical apparel, outdoor lifestyle, protective and aeronautical fabrics. Even though the two operate under the same parent company, they will continue to operate separately in the market as independent entities.

The new ownership will not result in any material changes in agreements with Gelvenor’s suppliers. Most importantly, the company’s sustained growth means there is no need for staff changes. Instead, the emphasis will be on further innovation and research as part of a drive to position Gelvenor as a global leader in the production of specialist fabrics. In the longer term, this could see the company expand and create further job opportunities.

Plans are in place to grow production of aeronautical textiles by at least 30 per cent in the next year through the production of light and thin fabrics for rescue parachutes as well as capture additional market share in the paragliding market.

The sale is very positive for Gelvenor as Jacobs Capital supports its sustainable business model and its strategy of continuing to place Gelvenor at the forefront of specialty and technical textiles.