Door Industry Journal - Summer 2019

32 THE door industry journal summer 2019 Industry News Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk StellaGroup Acquires SWS UK On 20th June, StellaGroup (Fr) finalised the transaction on the purchase of the CRH platform Shutters & Awnings (“CRH S&A”). This has now secured the position of StellaGroup in becoming one of the most important European players in the market for sun protection, façade closure systems, roller shutters, garage doors and outdoor living products. The CRH S&A group was already one of the largest manufacturers of roller shutters, awnings, terrace roofs, garage doors and outdoor living products in Western Europe with a turnover of over 200 million euros in 2018. It’s brands include Alulux (roller shutters, external venetian blinds, zip screens, garage doors), AVZ (awnings, components, outdoor living products), Erhardt Markisen (awnings, terrace roofs, outdoor living products) and SWS UK (roller shutters, garage doors, security grilles) with leading positions in important European markets such as Germany, the Netherlands and Great Britain. This European division of the business will from now be known as StellaGroup Northern Europe. StellaGroup (Fr) is a leader in the French market for roller shutters, gates and sun protection with its five brands, La Toulousaine (grilles and gates, garage doors), Profalux (roller shutters, external venetian blinds), Eveno (roller shutters, external venetian blinds, garage doors Sofermi (roller shutters, external Venetian blinds) and Flip (roller shutters, external venetian blinds. With the acquisition of the new companies, StellaGroup has doubled its turnover to almost 500 million euros, diversifying its international presence with around 45% of its turnover now outside France. This transaction has also allowed StellaGroup to open up attractive neighbouring markets such as sun protection and outdoor living. Didier Simon, CEO of StellaGroup: “This is a really good acquisition for StellaGroup as we will be expanding beyond the French borders for the first time. We are very excited to take on a European leadership role in our industry and look forward to working with the management team of CRH S&A”. Colin Reoch, COO StellaGroup Northern Europe explained: “To be partnered with a highly successful group that understands our business so well and is focused on supporting us to grow through innovation and investment, signals the start of very exciting times for our businesses and customers”. Managing Director of SWS UK, Kevin Lindeque, said: “Joining StellaGroup is a very exciting opportunity for us as a business and we are looking forward to what it will mean for product development and new opportunities for our customers. “We have been a part of CRH’s S&A group for around a decade and have found many opportunities arise from this relationship. Working within StellaGroup, we can share our expertise and support each other in continuous innovation and growth to bring more products to the market for our distributors.” StellaGroup Northern Europe Management Team and Didier Simon CEO StellaGroup. Left to right: Kevin Lindeque (MD SWS UK), Didier Simon (CEO StellaGroup), Wolfgang Marian (MD Erhardt Markisen), Colin Reoch (COO StellaGroup Northern Europe/MD Alulux), Niels Beerens (MD AVZ Group), Bernard Klootsema (CFO StellaGroup Northern Europe/FD AVZ Group)