Profiles of Allied Textile and Sirdar

Sirdar and Allied Textile have both achieved success by restructuring their operations and adjusting their product mixes as the demand for their core products has declined. Both companies have responded to changes in the market by shedding less profitable operations and undertaking shrewd acquisitions.

At Allied Textile, the focus has shifted away from traditional wool worsted fabrics and floorcoverings in favour of more profitable, higher performance textiles made from synthetic fibres. The company has been transformed into one which is much less vulnerable to fluctuations in the textile cycle. Furthermore, with Allied Textile once again privately owned, its management can focus on running the business without having to worry about the company?s share price. Sirdar?s core business used to be hand knitting yarns. But sales of hand knitting yarns at the company have fallen to only one-sixth of their 1985 level. In response, Sirdar has strengthened its presence in the larger and more profitable floorcoverings business, during a period when Allied Textile has partly withdrawn from this sector. By 2000 floorcoverings accounted for as much as 84% of Sirdar?s profits. Among Sirdar?s recent acquisitions is Ryalux Group, whose Ryalux brand is aimed at the top 20% of the floorcoverings market. The choice of this company is indicative of Sirdar?s strategy of growing by acquiring small niche companies which fit well with the company?s current product offering, while offering scope for future expansion.

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