Villeroy & Boch completes acquisition of Ideal Standard and joins the ranks of Europe’s largest manufacturers of bathroom products
Villeroy & Boch has successfully completed its acquisition of all operating companies of the Ideal Standard Group. Ideal Standard will be integrated as a separate part of the Villeroy & Boch Group now that all necessary approvals by antitrust authorities have been received.
Through the integration Villeroy & Boch will join the ranks of Europe’s largest manufacturers of bathroom products, with around 13,000 employees and a global production and distribution network. Ideal Standard complements Villeroy & Boch’s business model excellently. The complementary strengths of the two companies in terms of regional presence, sales strategies and product and brand portfolios will increase the Group’s competitiveness.
The composition of Villeroy & Boch AG’s Management Board will remain unchanged under CEO Gabi Schupp. Jan Peter Tewes will continue to manage the Ideal Standard business and will report to Gabi Schupp.
“With the acquisition of Ideal Standard, we are systematically pursuing our strategic growth path, expanding our core business and enhancing our international presence. We firmly believe that the two companies will also be a good cultural fit. In addition to our traditional brands, we share common values, including a dedication to quality and service, an appreciation for exemplary design and the constant pursuit of innovation. We would like to welcome our new colleagues and we look forward to shaping our future together,” commented Gabi Schupp, CEO of Villeroy & Boch AG.
“The acquisition of Ideal Standard represents the biggest transaction of this kind in Villeroy & Boch’s history. The integration will enable us to increase our resilience in a consistently challenging market environment, leverage synergies and establish optimal foundations for future profitable growth,” added Andreas Schmid, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Villeroy & Boch AG.
“We are looking forward to working together as part of the Villeroy & Boch Group. A stronger regional presence, our bundled expertise in private consumer and project business, and our excellently positioned fittings business are just some examples of the vast potential we will realise with our customers, our partners and our employees,” said Jan Peter Tewes, CEO of Ideal Standard International N.V.
The joint company will retain its established brands in future. Ideal Standard will be integrated into the organisation as a separate arm. Mettlach will remain the headquarters of the Villeroy & Boch Group, while Ideal Standard will continue to be managed from Brussels.
About Villeroy & Boch
Villeroy & Boch is one of the world’s leading premium brands for ceramic products. Founded in 1748 and located in Mettlach/Germany, the family-owned company stands for innovation, tradition and style. As a renowned lifestyle brand, Villeroy & Boch is represented in 125 countries with products in the Bathroom & Wellness and Dining & Lifestyle divisions.
About Ideal Standard
Ideal Standard International is a leading manufacturer of sanitary ware products and fittings in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, providing a broad range of branded products for residential and non-residential buildings in more than 100 countries. The company manufactures products for all product categories in the sanitary ware and fittings markets. Its multi-category solutions position it as a ‘one-stop shop’ for its customers. Ideal Standard International markets its products under a number of well-known international and national brands, including Ideal Standard, Porcher and Armitage Shanks.