Belgian loom manufacturer VAN DE WIELE (turnover over BF 6.4 billion in 1999 with 922 employed) is to launch a friendly bid (public offering) on the Swedish pre-winder manufacturer IRO (turnover nearly SEK 1 billion in 1999 with 920 employed). The move will allow the Belgian group to double its size with an aggregate turnover in 1999 exceeding BF 11 billion.