The Witten-based construction chemicals specialist ARDEX acquires a majority stake in Wakol GmbH, a leading supplier of high-quality installation materials based in Pirmasens. The transaction is expected to be completed by September at the latest. Through this cooperation, both companies are expanding their expertise in the field of flooring systems. The other business areas of Wakol, industrial adhesives and sealing compounds, are also to be further expanded through the international network of ARDEX. Both companies will continue to operate independently. The family shareholders currently active in management will continue to hold substantial shares as shareholders.
Mark Eslamlooy, CEO of the ARDEX Group, looks forward to the collaboration. “The cooperation with Wakol is a perfect way for us to massively increase the system competence in the field of soil. I can not imagine a better partner. Because like ARDEX, Wakol stands for high technical competence, quality and innovation in the market. This corporate philosophy forms an excellent basis for future success.”
The managing director of Wakol, Christian Gross, sees the cooperation as an important development step for the family-owned company:
“The international network of ARDEX will certainly help us to market our products. The complementary strengths in the product area also offer numerous opportunities.”
Quality Provider from Pirmasens
The family business Wakol is one of the leading suppliers in the field of laying materials. In addition, it is successful in the fields of industrial adhesives and sealing compounds. Wakol employs over 200 people worldwide. In addition to Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Netherlands are among the most important sales markets. There are also other activities in many other countries such as: In Poland and the USA. In the market, Wakol stands for the highest quality and customer proximity. The company has repeatedly succeeded in developing and marketing groundbreaking innovations for the entire industry.
Company still independent
The autonomy of ARDEX and Wakol remains fully intact. In the future, Wakol will be an independent company within the ARDEX Group, led by the former managing directors Christian Gross, Dr. Ing. Frederic Holzbaur, dr. Martin Schäfer and Steffen Acker. Company name, location, brand and sales strategy do not change. The contact persons for customers and suppliers remain the same.
Expansion also in other business areas
The two divisions Industrial Adhesives and Sealing Compounds also remain unchanged and are to be successively expanded. “With Ardex as a partner, we can continue to expand internationally,” says Christian Gross, pleased about the new possibilities.
The Wakol GmbH is a leading family business with more than 200 employees in the group and a turnover of around 60 million euros in 2014. At the headquarters of the company in Pirmasens more than 160 people are employed. Wakol develops, produces and distributes very successfully adhesives and compounds with high quality standards. The selected market niches offer excellent growth opportunities at home and abroad. The customer is always in the center of attention. For more information, visit www.wakol.com