DELABIE Group announces acquisition of KWC Professional, formerly Franke Water Systems

DELABIE Group is pleased to announce the agreement reached with Equistone, principal shareholder of KWC Professional, and other minority shareholders, regarding the acquisition of the entire capital of KWC Professional, formerly Franke Water Systems.

This acquisition is an important step in DELABIE's development, strengthening its position as a European leader in sanitary facilities for public buildings. Bringing together two companies with recognised expertise and complementary geographical and commercial positions creates a leading industrial group with a strong presence across Europe.

KWC Professional brings to the DELABIE group recognised technical know-how, a portfolio of complementary brands (KWC, Aquarotter and DVS - formerly Dart Valley Systems and Sissons) and a strong presence in particularly demanding market segments. This complementarity was reinforced by the 2024 acquisition of Newcastle Joinery Ltd (NJL), a UK specialist in furniture and sanitary solutions for correctional facilities. With this transaction, the DELABIE group will realise almost 70% of its turnover outside France.

This acquisition will enable DELABIE to expand its solution offering and significantly strengthen its geographical presence, particularly in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Middle East, the Nordic countries and the UK.

This transaction is based on a common strategic vision: to build an integrated, resilient European group that can offer innovative and sustainable solutions to all its customers. It also opens new perspectives for all employees of both companies, by combining their talents in the service of an ambitious project.

Luc Delabie, co-director of DELABIE Group, stated: " We are very excited to have KWC Professional in our family group to welcome. Thanks to these acquisition we create a strong pan-European player perfectly positioned is to assist our customers in all their projects. guide them and make them increasingly innovative and Offer more sustainable solutions. "

Marten van der Mei, director of KWC Professional, adds: " This merger with DELABIE is a milestone in the history of our company. We share same values, a culture of quality and a forward-looking industrial vision. This merger heralds a promising new chapter in, both for our customers, who can continue to rely on our high-quality services and their trusted contacts, as for our teams. "

David Zahnd EN Roman Emanuel Hegglin, partners in the Equistone team, stated: " We are proud of what we have achieved since our acquisition in April 2021 of Franke Water Systems, which has now become KWC Group. Following the sale of the Medical division in January 2024, the Residential division in May 2024 and then the OEM Nokite EcoSmart division in May 2024. Water Heating Systems in December 2024, the KWC group, which is now fully focused on the Professional business, ideally positioned for sustainable growth. With DELABIE, KWC Professional found the ideal partner and we wish the team all the best. "

Execution of the transaction remains subject to the usual conditions precedent and could take place during the 3rd quarter of 2025.