Franke acquires WESCO, a premium supplier of extractor hoods and air filtration for kitchens

Franke Group acquires the Swiss WESCO Group, further expanding its core competence in air quality technology and strengthening its market position in Switzerland and Germany.

The Swiss Franke Group, headquartered in Aarburg, has entered into a purchase agreement to acquire 100% from WESCO Group, a premium manufacturer of high-quality extractor hoods and ventilation systems for kitchens in Switzerland and Germany. Completion of the transaction is still subject to approval by the relevant competition authorities. Financial details of the transaction are not being disclosed.

WESCO AG, the subsidiary of WESCO Group, is a recognized expert in extractor hoods for kitchens and air filtration in homes, schools and offices in Switzerland; berbel Ablufttechnik GmbH, the Group's German subsidiary, is a leading brand of extractor hoods and cooktop extractors in Germany. In fiscal year 2022/2023, WESCO Group generated net sales of 97 million Swiss francs and employed a total of 280 employees.

WESCO Group becomes part of Franke Home Solutions, a division of Franke Group and the world's leading provider of intelligent systems and solutions for residential kitchens.

The acquisition of WESCO Group offers Franke Group the opportunity to strengthen its position in the extractor hood market and gradually gain a leading position in Germany and Switzerland. Through its brands Wesco and berbel, WESCO Group has a strong presence as a premium supplier on the Swiss and German extractor hood markets, respectively, thus complementing and strengthening Franke's offering from both a geographical and strategic perspective. The berbel brand in particular is recognized in Germany, the largest European market, for its unique technical solutions, craftsmanship and design.

Barbara Borra, President/CEO of Franke Home Solutions, notes: "The acquisition of WESCO is an ideal strategic match for us. WESCO brings Franke advanced air quality technology and robust commercial organizations in Switzerland and Germany. By leveraging Franke's global scale and financial strength, we can support WESCO's growth both in its traditional markets and internationally. With WESCO, we have found a company that shares the same values as Franke in terms of quality, technology and innovation."

Beat Ernst, owner of WESCO Group, explains: "As part of a succession plan, I decided to sell my business to Franke. With no succession in our family environment, it was important for me to find a sustainable solution that would transfer our life's work into good hands. Franke has the necessary expertise and resources to fully utilize the potential of our brands and position them even more successfully in the marketplace."

Franke Group, headquartered in Aarburg, Switzerland, is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of solutions and equipment for household kitchens, as well as for the professional food service and coffee preparation industries. The company has a global presence and employs about 7,700 people in 35 countries. Net sales are about 2.42 billion Swiss francs. Franke Group is owned by Artemis Group, Switzerland. Learn more at franke.com.

Franke Home Solutions is a division of Franke Group and the world's leading supplier of intelligent systems and solutions for the private kitchen. The division operates worldwide and has approximately 4,200 employees in more than 30 countries, accounting for net sales of 932 million Swiss francs. The product range covers all areas of the kitchen - from food preparation and cooking to waste disposal, cleaning and air treatment, and extends to the entire home. Franke Home Solutions offers consumers an unlimited home experience - simple, hygienic and environmentally friendly. Learn more at franke.com.

WESCO Group, founded in 1962 and headquartered in Wettingen, Switzerland, is a leading family-owned company specializing in extractor hoods and ventilation systems for kitchens, homes, offices and schools. With approximately 280 employees at locations in Switzerland (WESCO AG), Germany (berbel Ablufttechnik GmbH) and Italy (Createc srl), the Group generates annual net sales of 97 million Swiss francs. WESCO stands for high-quality extractor hoods and ventilation solutions "made for Switzerland," while berbel impresses with innovative products "made in Germany. WESCO Group combines outstanding expertise in ventilation and design and stands for the highest quality, efficiency and innovation.

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