ARDEX Acquires Majority Stake in wedi

ARDEX Acquires Majority Stake in wedi Ardex continues its growth trajectory: the Germany-based construction chemicals specialist is acquiring a majority stake in wedi GmbH, a leading system solutions provider for premium wet room solutions based in Emsdetten, Germany. This marks the largest acquisition in Ardex's history. Employees of both family-owned companies have been informed of the development. In this context, management has explicitly stated that wedi will continue to operate independently. Additionally, Stephan Wedi and Fabian Rechlin will remain in their positions as Managing Directors of wedi. Stephan Wedi will also continue in his shareholder role. Mark Eslamlooy, CEO of Ardex Group, describes this collaboration as a milestone in the company's development: "ARDEX Group is taking a major step forward by acquiring the market leader in waterproof shower and building systems. There is no better way to enhance our systems expertise – ARDEX and wedi are two powerful brands that complement each other ideally. As a family business, we also share a common understanding of the importance of customer proximity, innovation and quality. As a result, this creates a perfect foundation for a successful partnership." wedi's General Managers Stephan Wedi and Fabian Rechlin also view the collaboration as highly beneficial for both companies. Above all, the international Ardex network and complementary strengths in product areas were important factors in wedi's decision. Stephan Wedi said: "ARDEX is a perfect growth accelerator for us – one need only consider the many global markets and shared innovation potential. It was very important to us to find a partner with whom we could maintain our independence and contribute our strengths to achieve mutual growth. For this reason, we will implement the capacity increases we have planned together with Ardex. This matter is close to my heart and from the outset my instincts about Ardex have been extremely positive," he said. wedi is already highly successful in Europe, particularly in Germany and France, and is a leading player in the North American market with its own factory in Batavia, Illinois, which has been operating since 2017. Fabian Rechlin, commenting on the aim of collaborating with other companies within the Ardex Group to further develop this position, said: "wedi and Ardex complement each other perfectly not only in Germany, but also in other key markets such as the United States, Australia and New Zealand, France, the United Kingdom, Austria, Switzerland and the Benelux region. The innovative strength of Ardex Group is tremendous and consequently we expect to make significant progress. Our trade partners have long been encouraging us to take a major step forward. Now we are doing so."