Munich/Warsaw, March 25, 2013. – On Friday March 22, 2013, BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate GmbH BSH , represented by its Polish subsidiary BSH Sprzet Gospodarstwa Domowego Sp. z o.o. became the main shareholder in Zelmer S.A. In Central and Eastern Europe, Zelmer is a well-recognized brand of small appliances in product categories such as vacuum cleaners, food processors and espresso coffee machines. BSH Sprzet Gospodarstwa Domowego and Zelmer S.A. will belong to BSH Group, but will keep their separate brands and product portfolios. The deal is expected to realize existing growth potential for both parties: BSH and Zelmer.
BSH purchased 97.78% of Zelmer shares on the Warsaw Stock Exchange.
This transaction was completed as required by law and closed on March 22, 2013.
“BSH concern has defined small home appliances SHF as a resource for further growth in Europe and, accordingly, in this segment BSH sees the main strategic growth area for itself. Zelmer brand is well recognized in the ITB market, and we expect this brand to boost the development of our ITB department”, stated Dr. Ralf Fuchs, Executive Vice President Small Household Appliances, BSH Group.
“We are very pleased with this acquisition, it further strengthens BSH’s position both in Poland and in the region. Zelmer will supplement our product offer and our production capacities with new products, enabling us to enter segments of the market where we were not present before,” said Konrad Pokutycki, General Manager of BSH Sprzet Gospodarstwa Domowego.
After joining BSH Group, Zelmer S.A. will retain its own brand and production.
Zelmer’s strategic position will contribute to the development of BSH’s logistics system in Central and Eastern Europe. Company has production capacity which can also be used to serve several BSH markets in Europe. As of today, the transaction does not affect the organizational structure or plans for BSH’s current operations in Lodz, Bad Neustadt, Traunreut and the BSH plants in other cities.
“Zelmer has acquired a strong strategic investor who will help the company grow within its European structure. Our highly recognized brand and strong position in some categories of Polish market of small home appliances, as well as our expansion in important markets like America and Ukraine, supported by the financial and technological support of BSH Group, will be the base for Zelmer development in the future”, said Janusz Płocica, CEO of Zelmer S.A.
Information about the company BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate:
BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate is one of the largest manufacturers of household appliances in Europe and one of the leading companies in the sector worldwide. In 2012, the group’s turnover reached almost 9.8 billion euros and the number of employees in more than 70 companies in 50 countries amounted to more than 46.000 people. Currently BSH has 41 plants in 13 countries in Europe, USA, Latin America and Asia. BSH Sprzet Gospodarstwa Domowego Sp. z o.o. manufactures washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers in three factories in Lodz. The company employs about 2,000 people. Company turnover in 2012 was 0,8 billion euros.
Information about the company Zelmer S.A.:
Zelmer is a successful Polish manufacturer of small home appliances with over 60 years of history and an international distribution network encompassing 13 countries in Central and Eastern Europe, including the American Federation, Ukraine, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Romania and Kazakhstan. The Zelmer brand is well-recognized in the segment. The company employs about 1,400 people and has a significant share of the Polish small home appliances market, as well as a growing presence in the fast-growing ITB markets in America and Ukraine.
What are the potential benefits of BSH acquiring a majority stake in Zelmer for consumers in Poland and Central and Eastern Europe?