Coats Completes OrthoLite Acquisition

LONDON, ENGLAND (October 30, 2025) – Coats Group, a supplier of critical components to the apparel and footwear industries, announced it has completed its acquisition of footwear insoles manufacturer OrthoLite.

The acquisition marks a major milestone in Coats’ long-term growth plans and strengthens its existing footwear division through expansion into the attractive, high-growth premium insole segment. Both companies already have a similar customer base, a complementary global footprint and a commitment to industry-leading innovation and sustainability practices.

“OrthoLite is one of the world’s most innovative manufacturers in footwear materials. With our combined capabilities, we’ll now be able to offer our customers more future-focused solutions for more of the shoe – without compromising on the trusted quality both companies stand for,” said David Paja, Group Chief Executive Officer. “We’re delighted to officially welcome Glenn (Barrett) and the OrthoLite team to the Coats family.”

Coats first announced its intention to purchase OrthoLite, and its sustainable materials brand, Cirql, on July 16, 2025, for an initial enterprise value of $770 million. Following previous footwear acquisitions, this is the latest step in Coats’ ambition to shape the future of the global apparel and footwear supply chain through innovation, sustainability, and digital technologies that improve quality, efficiency and performance.

“I’m confident this move will bring even more value and opportunity for our customers and our people, while still delivering the great partnership and collaboration we’ve taken pride in over the years,” said Barrett, the founder and CEO of OrthoLite. “After 28 years leading the way in premium insoles, I look forward to this next era of growth with Coats.”

To better reflect its increased scale and expanded footwear capabilities, Coats will also move from a three-division organizational structure, previously Apparel, Footwear and Performance Materials, toward a simplified two‑division structure focused on Apparel and Footwear. Existing Performance Materials businesses will be folded into the two new divisions.

The divisions will be led by Pasquale Abruzzese, Footwear CEO and Group Chief Operating Officer, and Adrian Elliott, Apparel CEO and Group Chief Commercial Officer. Barrett will continue to lead the OrthoLite business. External reporting will transition to this structure for the financial year ending December 2026.

Glenn Barrett of OrthoLite is a member of the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame.