Following its take over three weeks ago of a majority interest in Acomo, the Belgian manufacturer of baths, whirlpools, shower and steam cubicles, Villeroy & Boch has now also acquired the Italian company Itema in Castelraimondo, Central Italy.
Itema leads the market for acrylic baths in Italy and, with the support of its 150 employees, secures sales of ? 22 million. The company's product range corresponds with that of Villeroy & Boch's Wellness Division and is considered on the whole to be of high quality.
Villeroy & Boch began developing its Wellness Division in the year 1999. When sales secured in this sector by the take over of factories in Holland, Scandinavia, the Czech Republic and Slovakia are added to those of the works taken over in Belgium and Italy, the figures total ? 120 million.
By consistently expanding its growth-oriented Wellness Division, Villeroy & Boch aims not only to strengthen its competitive position in the international market, but also to promote the competence of the "single-source bathroom".
In the financial year 2000, the four Villeroy & Boch Group business sectors – Tiles, Bathroom and Kitchen, Wellness and Tableware – secured total sales of roughly ? 940 million. Ceramic wall and floor tiles, ceramic sanitary ware, bathroom furniture, baths, shower systems and fittings, as well as items of porcelain and glass tableware, cutlery and table accessories are just some of the products manufactured in twelve European countries. The company regards itself as a full-range lifestyle supplier, using the customer-oriented "House of Villeroy & Boch" marketing concept. Roughly 10,000 persons are employed by the company worldwide.
The Executive Board
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Andrea Horn
Villeroy & Boch AG
Investor Relations
Saaruferstra�e
66693 Mettlach
Tel.: 0 68 64 / 81 22 21
Fax: 0 68 64 / 81 26 91
E-Mail: horn.andrea@villeroy-boch.de