The Delabie Group has acquired 100% of the share capital of KWC Professional (formerly known as Franke Water Systems) and its subsidiaries.
The company has entered into an agreement with funds advised by Equistone, the majority shareholder of KWC Professional, and with the other minority shareholders.
According to a company statement, KWC Professional brings to Delabie its technical know-how, a complementary brand portfolio and a strong presence in high-demand market segments. This complementarity has been further reinforced by the 2024 acquisition of Newcastle Joinery (NJL), it noted, a UK-based specialist in furniture and sanitary solutions for correctional facilities.
Following this transaction, Delabie stated that nearly 70% of its revenue will be generated outside France.
The company said the acquisition will enable it to broaden its solution offering and to significantly expand its market presence, particularly in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Middle East, the Nordics and the United Kingdom.
Delabie added that this transaction is grounded in a shared strategic vision, to build an “integrated, resilient European group”.
Luc Delabie, co-CEO of Delabie Group, said: “We are delighted to welcome KWC Professional into our family-owned group. With this acquisition, we are creating a strong pan-European player, ideally positioned to support our clients in all their projects by offering even more innovative and sustainable solutions.”
Marten van der Mei, CEO of KWC Professional, added: “The combination with Delabie marks a milestone in the history of our company. We share the same values, a culture of quality and a forward-looking industrial vision. Joining our forces opens a new and promising chapter – for both our customers, which can continue to rely on our high-quality service offering and their trusted points of contact, as well as our people.”
David Zahnd and Roman Emanuel Hegglin, both partners at Equistone, stated: “We are proud of the journey accomplished since our acquisition of Franke Water Systems – now KWC Group – in April 2021. After the divestiture of the Medical division in January 2024, the Residential division in May 2024, and the OEM Nokite EcoSmart Water Heating Systems business in December 2024, KWC Group, now focused on its Professional activities, is ideally positioned for long-term growth. With DELABIE, KWC Professional has found the right long-term partner, and we wish the team continued success.”
The completion of the transaction remains subject to standard conditions precedent and is expected to close during the third quarter of 2025.