Cumbrian manufacturer, Kudos Shower Products has been acquired by SanSwiss AG, part of The Ronal Group of companies. SanSwiss, headquartered in Härkingen, Switzerland, is a major European manufacturer of shower enclosures and shower screens as well as other bathroom and wellness products, selling to over 17 countries. Kudos was identified as an 'ideal opportunity' to bring together two businesses with complimentary products enabling: expansion in the UK market with existing Sanswiss products; growth potential in Europe with the existing Kudos range; and the development of new products through the combined resource within the enlarged business.
Olivier Gunther and Sebastian Hainz, co-MDs of SanSwiss, said in a press statement: ”Kudos is a well-known brand with an outstanding reputation in manufacturing and selling shower enclosures and shower screens in the UK. With Kudos, we are further expanding our core competence and performance in shower enclosures, shower screens and trays for our partners and customers across Europe. We also expect considerable opportunities and synergies through leveraging marketing, technology and product content, new product development, sourcing and production capacity. Both companies and brands will continue without interruption with their independent sales activities in the respective channels and countries. We are confident that the combined high-level expertise will enable us to offer our customers even more benefits and innovative shower and bathroom solutions”.
Kudos outgoing group CEO and founder, Bruce Ledwith, who will remain with the company in a consulting role for the foreseeable future, commented: “After 23 years, it was not only time to take a step back, but to consider the long-term future of Kudos. This investment by SanSwiss provides, significant growth opportunities and their strong commitment to maintaining and expanding our manufacturing facilities within the UK, provides our people with greater long term security. SanSwiss have made it clear that their investment is not just in the Kudos brand or market share, but also in the current management team."
Kudos Group MD Mark Hill said: “We are delighted to become part of SanSwiss and the Ronal group, and with the opportunity this now delivers to build on our position in the UK market. We have a strong management team, with a very clear strategy for the future built around exciting new products and our best-in-class customer service. It is our objective, and the objective of our new owners, to continue to develop our long-standing partnerships with our suppliers and customers.”
SanSwiss Group headquarters are located in Härkingen, Switzerland. The production facilities are in the Czech Republic, Italy and Romania and with the acquisition of Kudos Shower Products, now also in the UK and South Africa. The SanSwiss Sales offices with sales activities in the main European countries and selected overseas markets are located in France, Germany, Italy, Poland, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Romania and with Kudos also in the UK.
