China’s Shandong Ruyi Group announced it plans to list its Lycra brand on the recently launched Science and Technology Innovation Board (STIB), in a bid to promote Asia growth.
SEE ALSO : Shandong Ruyi buys Invista’s global Lycra business
The Asian nation’s largest textile and apparel company said it plans to highlight Lycra’s strategic advantage “as the top business in the field of global high-tech materials for textile fibres.”
“It also significant that Ruyi Group helps Lycra enter China’s capital market and builds the whole industrial chain layout of the high-tech textiles and fashion brand,” continued Ruyi, in a press release. Ruyi did not specify how many shares will be offered on the STIB or at what price shares will be initially sold for.
Commencing trade on July 22, 2019, the Nasdaq-style STIB is a new initiative by the Chinese government aimed at boosting the development of high and new technology industries.
On the first day of trading earlier this month, STIB’s shares rose by an average of almost 140%, making it an appealing IPO platform for Lycra to attract investment.
In January Ruyi acquired Lycra, as part of Invista’s Apparel & Advanced Textiles division, from U.S. chemical corporation Koch Industries for an estimated $2.6 billion.
Steve Stewart, the president of Lycra’s apparel business in Asia, said the acquisition would create a “win-win situation for Ruyi Group and Lycra as Ruyi would bring more investments and production capacities for Lycra… helping [it] quickly occupy new profit growth points as well.”
Asia boasts a strong demand for high-end textile and apparel products, and new fibre products. “Lycra would continue to provide advanced fibre and technology solutions for Ruyi Group,” said Stewart.
SEE ALSO : TMALL continues to partner with New York Fashion Week
Ruyi Group currently owns 30 fashion brands around the world, including France’s SMCP, owner of fashion brands Sandro, Maje and Claudie Pierlot; UK luxury brand Aquascutum; and Switzerland’s Bally. It operates approximately 6,000 stores in 81 countries and territories.