Kansai Helios to acquire CWS Lackfabrik
Kansai Helios signed a share purchase agreement to acquire 100% share of CWS Lackfabrik (“CWS”). CWS, with its group companies, is a powder coatings and liquid and solid synthetic resins producer, with more than 150 years of tradition and its headquarters in Düren (Germany).
After the fulfilment of closing conditions, Kansai Helios will become the new owner of CWS and its group companies in Germany, USA, Denmark and Poland. This consolidation represents a long-term opportunity for Kansai Helios to increase the market position in the coatings industry especially in the field of powder coatings, as well as synthetic resins.
CWS Lackfabrik GmbH is a family-owned company with around 400 employees and an annual turnover of 110 million EUR. Its successful history started in 1864 and was driven by continuous growth and ongoing investments in modern production technologies. CWS is also a well-recognized brand in the industry with a powder coatings production in Düren (Germany) and New York (United States), a solid resins production in Düren (Germany) and a liquid resins production in Düren and Hamburg (Germany). Additionally the group has trading companies in Poland and Denmark.
The owner and CEO of CWS, Hans-Helmuth Schmidt explains his decision to sell his company: “CWS has developed into a strong and stable company that has become known far beyond the borders of Germany. Yes, we are on a successful course and the company is in its best shape, in terms of revenue, profit, development potential and market shares. But we are still a medium-sized company without the advantages of a large corporate group in a market environment that is becoming more and more challenging for small and medium-sized companies. The sale of my company is a great opportunity for the long-term development, for CWS and also for Kansai Helios.”
Kansai Helios expanding strategic position in the area
The Kansai Helios powder coatings segment represents one of the most perspective-rich programs that open up a completely new view of functional coatings of the future – environmentally friendly and without organic solvents. With the purchase of CWS, Kansai Helios is significantly expanding its strategic position in this area, gaining additional know-how, additional distribution channels, production and storage capacities, and will further expand its presence in Europe, above all Germany.
