ATHENA HOLDING takes majority stake in TESSILBIELLA
Context
Tessilbiella has been acquired by Athena Holding, which now holds a 70% equity interest in the company following a capital increase financed by a consortium of investors and a senior loan from Intesa Sanpaolo. The transaction concluded after Athena Holding, together with several family offices and individual investors, subscribed to new shares issued by Aracne Holding, the direct shareholder of Tessilbiella, thereby consolidating control while the Crosa family retained a 30% stake and continued operational responsibilities. The acquisition aligns with Athena Holding's strategy to invest in businesses that combine technical specialization with premium market positioning. By securing a majority position, Athena gains the ability to influence strategic decisions, support capacity expansion, and pursue potential bolt‑on acquisitions that complement Tessilbiella's existing product range. The investment also provides the target with additional financial resources to enhance its dyeing and finishing capabilities, accelerate product innovation, and broaden its client base within the luxury fashion segment. Post‑transaction, Tessilbiella is expected to integrate Athena Holding's financial oversight and governance structures while preserving its family‑led management model. The infusion of capital and access to Athena's network are projected to strengthen the firm’s supply chain resilience, enable scaling of production volumes, and reinforce its position as a supplier of high‑quality luxury fabrics across Europe and beyond.
TESSILBIELLA, which reported an EBITDA margin of in 2025, is valued in this transaction at an EV/EBITDA multiple of , a level to compare with the average currently observed in the Industry & Manufacturing sector (11.5x).
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Target
Tessilbiella is a textile manufacturer headquartered in Biella, Italy, that designs, produces, and distributes fabrics made from wool and other noble fibers. The company supplies its material to luxury fashion houses, with a particular emphasis on fabrics used in women's ready‑to‑wear collections. Founded in 1958 by Adriano Crosa in Vigliano Biellese, the firm has developed proprietary dyeing and finishing capabilities that differentiate its product portfolio. Its production facilities accommodate an annual output exceeding 1.5 million metres of finished cloth, enabling it to meet the volume requirements of high‑end brands while maintaining tight control over quality parameters. The client base comprises established fashion houses as well as emerging designers seeking technically advanced and aesthetically refined textiles. Tessilbiella operates a vertically integrated model in which raw material sourcing, yarn processing, weaving, and finishing are performed in‑house, allowing the company to manage lead times and preserve proprietary processes. The firm remains family‑owned, with the Crosa family retaining operational roles and a minority equity stake, while external investors provide capital for expansion and innovation initiatives.
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REFERENCES
Revenue range: 10M - 30M EUR
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Authors: This transaction was contributed by a verified mynth contributor and cross-checked against available transaction documents and official company communications.
Target: tessilbiella
Acquirer: athena holding