The DELABIE Group is pleased to announce it has entered into an agreement with funds advised by Equistone, the majority shareholder of KWC Professional, and with the other minority shareholders, to acquire 100% of the share capital of KWC Professional – formerly known as Franke Water Systems – and its subsidiaries.

This acquisition marks a major milestone in DELABIE’s growth trajectory, further strengthening its position as the European market leader in the field of tapware and sanitary equipment for public and commercial buildings. By bringing together two companies with recognized expertise and complementary geographic and commercial footprints, the transaction will give birth to a major industrial group firmly rooted across the European continent.

KWC Professional brings to DELABIE its renowned technical know-how, a complementary brand portfolio (KWC, Aquarotter, DVS – formerly Dart Valley Systems and Sissons), and a strong presence in high-demand market segments. This complementarity has been further reinforced by the 2024 acquisition of Newcastle Joinery Ltd. (NJL), a UK-based specialist in furniture and sanitary solutions for correctional facilities. Following this transaction, nearly 70% of DELABIE’s revenue will be generated outside France.

The acquisition will enable DELABIE 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. This transaction is grounded in a shared strategic vision: to build an integrated, resilient European group, capable of delivering innovative and

sustainable solutions to its customers. It also opens up new growth opportunities for all employees of both companies, by bringing together their talent around a common, ambitious project.

Luc Delabie, Co-CEO of DELABIE Group, stated: 

“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 commented:

“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.