IGOOIGEM, Belgium — Jean-Paul Depraetere, managing director of Escolys—a leading jacquard producer—has confirmed the company's intent to purchase Bekaert in the coming weeks. This marks the second purchase for Escolys in recent months.

Depraetere has also confirmed the purchase of De Poortere Freres, at Heimtextil. The sale of De Poortere Freres was completed on December 21; the purchase price was 5.5 million euros.