Modiano is known for its strong industrial background, ability to offer prompt stock across a broad range of microns and treatment programme including shrink-resistant wool. Schneider’s specialisation is in fine and ultrafine wools, open-tops and carbonised wool, as well as a long-lasting commitment to sustainability and traceability through Authentico®. Together, they will form a group that will fulfil the need for a diverse, reliable and stable player in the EMEA wool-trading and processing industry.

An extremely wide product range, based on a large network of buying offices across the world and three outstanding mills in Italy, Egypt and Czech Republic, a strong commitment to quality, a growing focus on sustainability and traceability, supported by a long-serving and highly experienced team serving the most demanding customers, are all key characteristics that the enlarged group will bring to the market.

G. Modiano, founded in 1957 and based in London, traces its origins back to 1875 and over the years has grown into one of the most important wool top producers in the industry. Production is concentrated in Nejdek, in the Czech Republic, which houses one of the most modern and efficient wool scouring and combing factories in the world. Sustainability is a key focus in the mill. All scouring water is cleaned internally by its own effluent treatment plant and the purified water is then recycled back to the scour with zero discharge to the river.

Similarly, for over a century, The Schneider Group has cultivated a global, integrated and certified network, dedicated to preserving the tradition of excellence in animal fibre processing. Founded in 1922 by Giovanni Schneider in Sydney, Australia, the company initially focused on introducing the finest Australian wools to the European market. In the 1980s, the second generation expanded the company's offerings by integrating industrial processing to ensure unparalleled quality and service. The third generation, Giovanni and Elena, have continued this legacy, implementing a fully transparent, controlled, traceable and ethical textile supply chain, from farm to garment, through the creation of the Authentico® brand.

Sustainability and full certification are crucial for The Schneider Group mills. The company operates Italy’s only combing plant capable of processing not just fine and superfine wools but also cashmere, other speciality fibres and the initial stages of vicuña – the world’s most precious animal fibre. This mill is complemented by one in Egypt, specialised in combing medium fineness wool while running a carbonising line dedicated to processing both greasy wool and by-products.

Both Modiano and Schneider maintain dedicated sourcing facilities in key regions such as Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

“In an era in which the textile industry and fashion brands seemed to place less emphasis on the excellence of raw materials, we continued to invest in traceability, sustainability, quality and Made in Italy”, said Elena and Giovanni Schneider. “Like our grandfather and father, we have always striven for excellence and believe that we represent luxury from the very beginning of the textile supply chain, serving as the link between the agricultural and industrial worlds. We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who has contributed to the development of our company and its continued growth and evolution, believing in us and in our values, even during challenging times. We are confident that we have found a worthy home for the Schneider Group and that the Company will continue to prosper together with G. Modiano Ltd.”

“This investment will further strengthen our companies’ commitment to innovation, sustainable practices and the preservation of traditional textile expertise. Both being family-owned companies, we feel a strong sense of legacy in what we do, which gives us the ability to plan over the long-term, striving to build and improve upon the work of previous generations,” concluded Laurence and Michael Modiano, the sons of the founder, Giuseppe Modiano.