Brand K Group, one of the UK’s largest suppliers of radiators and bathroom equipment to independent merchants and showrooms, has acquired the brand of Leicestershire-based Aqualux, the well-known shower enclosures, screens and accessories manufacturer and supplier.
The acquisition is the 8th in the past 5 years for Brand K Group and continues its journey towards its stated ambition to become a UK leader in the HVAC and bathroom sector. Aqualux will become part of the Brand K stable of brands and the group plans to build upon Aqualux’s near 40-year legacy. Brand K will continue to supply where possible Aqualux’s existing customers and showering and bathroom products range, integrating the business into the Group’s operations. Aqualux recently fell into administration due to volatile trading conditions in the home improvement sector and inflationary pressures with the loss of 18 jobs, following which Brand K Group agreed to acquire the brand and certain assets.
Brand K Group, which is based in Bedford with operations in Wigan, Leeds, Willenhall, Hull, Tewkesbury and New York was established in 2008 by Alex Norford. It now employs more than 750 people and turns over in excess of £163million. Kartell UK was the first company in the group and remains the largest distributing radiators and bathroom fixtures and fittings under the K-RAD and K-VIT brands, however since 2019 the group has acquired a series of UK-based manufacturers including Just Trays, Vogue UK, Summerbridge, MX Group and Paladin Radiators.
Alex Norford, CEO of Brand K Group, said: “We are pleased to have acquired another brand with a strong reputation and long industry history. The Aqualux brand enhances our existing showering and bathroom offering and we are proud to be custodians of the business moving forwards.”
Harry Walker and Fahim Kassam from the Midlands office of Dow Schofield Watts (DSW) provided corporate finance support to Brand K Group. Harry Walker, partner, has also advised Brand K on 7 previous acquisitions. Harry said: “We’re once again happy to have advised Alex and the Brand K Group on an acquisition in the KBB sector, this time the brand of Aqualux. In line with our collaborative way of working, we’ve formed a successful partnership with the Group over many years now and look forward to many more years helping to grow and develop their business.”
