ARDEX, the Witten-based construction chemicals specialist is taking up a majority shareholding in wedi GmbH, a manufacturer of system solutions for wet-room solutions domiciled in Emsdetten – it’s the largest acquisition in the company’s history.
Employees of both family-run companies have already been informed of the development. In this respect, the management made it clear wedi will continue to operate independently. In addition, Stephan Wedi and Fabian Rechlin will remain in place as manging directors of wedi. Stephan Wedi will also continue in his shareholder role.
For Mark Eslamlooy, ceo of the Ardex Group, this cooperation is a milestone in the development of the company – and his delight at the future collaboration with wedi is clear: ‘The Ardex Group is taking a major step forward with the acquisition of the market leader for watertight shower and construction systems.
‘There could be no better way to enhance our systems competence – Ardex and wedi are two strong brands which complement one another in an ideal manner. As family-run companies, we also share a common understanding of the importance of customer proximity, innovation, and quality. All in all it’s the perfect basis for a successful cooperation.’
The managing directors of wedi, Stephan Wedi and Fabian Rechlin, also regard the cooperation as tremendously beneficial for the two companies. Above all the international Ardex network and the complementary strengths in the product areas were an important factor for wedi in reaching its decision, says the company.
‘Ardex is a perfect growth accelerator for us – one only has to think of the many global markets and the joint innovation potential. It was of tremendous importance to us that we find a partner with whom we can safeguard our independence and contribute our strengths to ensure joint growth.
‘To this, we’ll also implement the already planned capacity expansions together with Ardex. The matter is one very close to my heart, and from the very outset my gut feeling about Ardex was extremely positive,’ says Stephan Wedi.
The company says wedi is already very successful in Europe, and in particular in Germany and France, and it is the market leader in North America – since 2017 with its own factory in Batavia, Illinois. The objective of the cooperation with the other companies in the Ardex Group is that of developing this position.
‘wedi and Ardex complement each another excellently, not just in Germany, but also in other core markets such as the USA, Australia and New Zealand, France, England, Austria, Switzerland or Benelux. The innovative strength of the Ardex Group is enormous, and as a result, we expect to make considerable advances,’ adds Fabian Rechlin.
‘Our partners in the trade have long been encouraging us to take a major step forward. We’re doing so now.’
Furthermore, for both companies it’s important they retain their full independence. The company points out that in future wedi will be a stand-alone company within the Ardex Group – headed by its current managing directors Stephan Wedi and Fabian Rechlin.
‘The trading name, location, brand name and marketing strategy won’t change either. The same is true of the contact persons for clients and suppliers.’
www.ardex.com
