Coats completes acquisition of OrthoLite, expanding its footwear business
Coats Group plc has officially completed its acquisition of OrthoLite, a leading global producer of footwear materials and the top brand for premium insoles. The move marks a key step in Coats’ plan to grow its presence in the global footwear market and strengthen its product portfolio.
The two companies already share many of the same customers and values, including a focus on sustainability and product quality. With this acquisition, Coats aims to deliver more complete footwear solutions by combining its technical expertise with OrthoLite’s advanced materials and sustainable technologies.
“OrthoLite is one of the most respected names in footwear materials,” said David Paja, Group Chief Executive Officer of Coats. “Together, we can offer our customers broader solutions that cover more of the shoe, without losing the quality that defines both brands. We’re excited to welcome Glenn and the OrthoLite team into the Coats family.”
The acquisition, first announced on July 16, 2025, includes OrthoLite’s sustainable materials brand, Cirql, and was valued at $770 million. This follows Coats’ previous footwear-related acquisitions and supports its goal to modernize the apparel and footwear supply chain through better materials, efficient processes, and sustainability-focused innovation.
Glenn Barrett, Founder and CEO of OrthoLite, expressed optimism about the partnership: “After 28 years of building OrthoLite, I believe joining Coats will create even greater opportunities for our customers and teams. We share a commitment to collaboration and high standards, and this partnership will help us reach new levels of growth.”
As part of its expanded operations, Coats will adjust its organizational structure. The company will move from three divisions—Apparel, Footwear, and Performance Materials—to a more streamlined two-division model: Apparel and Footwear. The Performance Materials business will be integrated into these two main areas.
The Footwear division will be led by Pasquale Abruzzese, while Adrian Elliott will oversee the Apparel division. Glenn Barrett will continue to lead the OrthoLite business under the Coats umbrella. The new reporting structure will take effect from the financial year ending December 2026.
Coats’ acquisition of OrthoLite not only reinforces its leadership in the apparel and footwear industries but also positions the company to meet growing global demand for sustainable, high-quality materials.
