Kohler has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire KLAFS, a market-leading manufacturer of saunas, steam rooms and other hydrothermal features, from the Egeria Group. The agreement was signed on December 1 and is still subject to customary closing conditions. Financial details of the transaction are not being disclosed. KLAFS CEO Phillip Rock and CFO Jens Friedrich will continue in their leadership roles and the company will join Kohler’s Luxury Brands division.
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Headquartered in Schwäbisch Hall, Germany, KLAFS develops, designs, manufactures and sells premium wellness products designed to enhance personal spa experiences including saunas, sanariums, infrared cabins, steam baths, pools and related wellness equipment and accessories. KLAFS employs 850 associates across locations in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Poland, Netherlands, the U.K., Spain and Mexico.
“As a privately held, global company celebrating our 150th anniversary, Kohler has always embraced a relentless pursuit of providing exceptional products, services, and experiences for our customers,” said David Kohler, chair and CEO of Kohler Co. “KLAFS is an international market leader with a stellar reputation that shares our passion for innovation and delighting customers. We look forward to welcoming the KLAFS organization to Kohler and, together, driving continued growth in sauna and spa solutions.”
Hannes Rumer, partner and managing director at EGERIA in Munich, said, “Over the last years we have worked with CEO Phillip Rock and the entire team at KLAFS on transforming the company from a strong player in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland to a pan-European market leader for premium sauna, spa and wellness products. It has been a great entrepreneurial team-up and we are especially proud of the successful roll-out of KLAFS’ exciting product portfolio in Northern and Western Europe, both organically and through several acquisitions. Kohler is the ideal partner to maintain the high-end positioning of the brand.”
Phillip Rock, CEO of KLAFS, said, “With their commitment and dedication, our employees have made KLAFS a globally recognized brand. With Kohler behind us, we will open new doors and take our success story to a new level.”
