Brand of collapsed shower products firm sold

The brand of collapsed Leicestershire-based Aqualux, the shower enclosures, screens and accessories manufacturer and supplier, has been sold to Brand K Group, which has operations in Willenhall, Bedford, Wigan, Hull, Leeds, Tewkesbury and Lincolnshire.

The acquisition is the eighth in the past five years for Brand K Group. Aqualux will become part of the Brand K stable of brands and the group plans to build upon Aqualux’s near 40-year legacy.

Brand K will continue to supply, where possible, Aqualux’s existing customers and showering and bathroom products range, integrating the business into the group’s operations.

Aqualux recently fell into administration due to volatile trading conditions in the home improvement sector and inflationary pressures with the loss of 18 jobs, following which Brand K Group agreed to acquire the brand and certain assets.

Brand K Group was established in 2008 by Alex Norford. It now employs more than 750 people and turns over in excess of £163m. Kartell UK was the first company in the group and remains the largest distributing radiators and bathroom fixtures and fittings under the K-RAD and K-VIT brands, however since 2019 the group has acquired a series of UK-based manufacturers including Just Trays, Vogue UK, Summerbridge, MX Group and Paladin Radiators.

Norford said: “We are pleased to have acquired another brand with a strong reputation and long industry history. The Aqualux brand enhances our existing showering and bathroom offering and we are proud to be custodians of the business moving forwards.”

Harry Walker and Fahim Kassam from the Midlands office of Dow Schofield Watts (DSW) provided corporate finance support to Brand K Group. Walker, partner, has also advised Brand K on seven previous acquisitions.

He said: “We’re once again happy to have advised Alex and the Brand K Group on an acquisition in the KBB sector, this time the brand of Aqualux. In line with our collaborative way of working, we’ve formed a successful partnership with the group over many years now and look forward to many more years helping to grow and develop their business.”