The DELABIE Group has announced today (Wednesday, 11 June) that it has acquired KWC Professional, formerly known as Franke Water Systems.
The move significantly strengthens its position in sanitary equipment for public and commercial buildings across Europe.
Headquartered in Friville-Escarbotin, northern France, DELABIE is a family-owned company specialising in tapware and sanitary solutions for public and commercial environments.
The business has built a strong reputation for durable, hygienic, and innovative products tailored to the demanding requirements of healthcare, education, and public sector facilities.
The DELABIE Group has acquired KWC Professional, formerly known as Franke Water Systems
This latest acquisition marks a significant milestone in DELABIE’s growth strategy, combining two established names with complementary product portfolios and geographic markets.
Luc Delabie, co-CEO of DELABIE Group, said: "We are delighted to welcome KWC Professional into our family-owned group. With this acquisition, we are creating a strong pan-European player, ideally positioned to support our clients in all their projects by offering even more innovative and sustainable solutions."
KWC Professional brings with it a well-regarded technical expertise and a portfolio of recognised brands, including KWC, Aquarotter, DVS (formerly Dart Valley Systems), and Sissons. The transaction also strengthens DELABIE’s market presence in high-demand segments, particularly in healthcare and custodial sectors.
Notably, the deal follows KWC–DVS’s acquisition of Newcastle Joinery (NJL), a UK-based specialist in furniture and sanitary solutions for correctional facilities, further expanding its footprint in the British market in 2024.
Following the integration of KWC Professional, nearly 70% of DELABIE’s turnover will be generated outside its home market of France
Following the integration of KWC Professional, nearly 70% of DELABIE’s turnover will be generated outside its home market of France, with significant growth anticipated in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Middle East, the Nordics, and the United Kingdom.
The move reflects a shared strategic ambition to establish a resilient, integrated European group capable of delivering sustainable, innovative sanitary solutions to public and commercial clients.
The acquisition also promises new growth opportunities for employees across both organisations, uniting their expertise within a forward-looking industrial group.
Marten van der Mei, CEO of KWC Professional, added: "Joining our forces opens a new and promising chapter – for both our customers, which can continue to rely on our high-quality service offering and their trusted points of contact, as well as our people."
For the UK healthcare construction sector, this consolidation signals a bolstered offering in sanitary and water management systems tailored for public and healthcare environments, a timely development as healthcare estates managers and contractors increasingly prioritise sustainability, hygiene, and operational efficiency in new build and refurbishment projects.