ZWILLING acquires Demeyere cookware

ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS is delighted to announce that it has acquired the Belgian cookware manufacturer Demeyere N.V. ZWILLING thereby continues implementing its course of strategic expansion with the acquisition of this very complementary, premium brand. Both enterprises have decided not to communicate about the takeover price.

ZWILLING has come to a definitive agreement to acquire 100 % of the shares of Demeyere N.V., Herentals near Antwerp, Belgium. The transaction is to be closed following approval of the antitrust authorities expected in March 2008.

Demeyere is a firm with a proud tradition – 2008 will be their 100th birthday – with its production facility in Belgium. Turnover in 2007 was around 15 Mio €, and the firm employs around 60 people.

Demeyere is well known in the Benelux countries as a premium producer, quality leader and one of the market leaders in cookware and pans. Demeyere exports worldwide, and has a growing presence in several European markets, as well as in the US. The firm is particularly well known, with private and professional users as well as with kitchen appliance manufacturers, as a leader and pioneer of high quality cookware for induction hobs. Induction hobs are the new worldwide trend in premium kitchens, as they permit better cooking with lower energy consumption. Demeyere’s program consists of several cookware series. From April on, the new 5 star cookware series, designed by the well known British designer John Pawson, will further complete Demeyere’s innovative product line.

After the recent acquisition of Tondeo, Germany, to strengthen the beauty business, ZWILLING now follows its course of strategic acquisitions in the cookware field through the purchase of Demeyere. Their products will be a highly suitable and premium quality addition to the present product range of ZWILLING. Demeyere and ZWILLING will join forces to optimise their worldwide commercial efforts. Demeyere as a brand will continue to exist in full force, and will be leveraged through the ZWILLING organisation. Mr. Maurits Jan Demeyere and Mr. Christophe Demeyere, the largest shareholders and managing directors of the firm, will continue serving, and will add key strengths to the present ZWILLING management team.

Maurits Jan Demeyere, President of Demeyere says: “ZWILLING's proposition is an enormous opportunity for the Demeyere brand to continue its expansion. It will be a great project, in which the complementary character of both brands and categories will make a perfect fit, commercially as well as in the innovative field. Together with ZWILLING, a global player, we will establish a competence centre for cookware in Herentals. More developments, more sales and more production, that's the motto!"

Claus Holst-Gydesen, Wilh. Werhahn KG Board Member and CEO of ZWILLING, says: I am delighted to welcome the Demeyere company and organisation to the ZWILLING Group. I am convinced that the Demeyere brand, products and people will help accelerate the growth of ZWILLING. Personally, I look forward to our partnership”