KWC Group: Equistone Completes Full Realisation of Investment with Sale to DELABIE
Deal News | Jun 11, 2025 | Equistone Partners Europe
Equistone Partners Europe, a leading private equity firm, announced the full realisation of its investment in KWC Group through the sale of KWC Professional to DELABIE Group. DELABIE, a family-owned European leader in tapware and sanitary equipment, has strategically acquired KWC Professional, creating a significant industrial group with pan-European reach and a presence in the Middle East. KWC Professional, headquartered in Unterkulm, Switzerland, serves various public and semi-public institutions across multiple countries, including Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and the UK. Equistone's involvement began in April 2021 with the acquisition of a majority stake in KWC Group, priorly known as the Franke Group’s Water Systems division. Over the investment period, Equistone led strategic realignment efforts, including successful divestments such as the sale of KWC's medical and home divisions and enhancements such as rebranding and operational improvements. This strategic exit marks a successful realisation of Equistone's investment.
Sectors
- Private Equity
- Manufacturing
- Construction and Public Infrastructure
Geography
- Switzerland – The headquarters of KWC Group is located in Unterkulm, Switzerland.
- Europe – Equistone Partners Europe operates and invests primarily in the European mid-market segment.
- France – DELABIE Group, the acquiring company, is headquartered in France.
- Middle East – The transaction increases DELABIE's footprint in the Middle East, an existing market for KWC Professional.
Industry
- Private Equity – Equistone Partners Europe is a mid-market private equity firm, which played a significant role in the acquisition and divestment strategies related to KWC Group.
- Manufacturing – KWC Group, recognized for its tapware and sanitary equipment, operates within the manufacturing sector.
- Construction and Public Infrastructure – KWC Professional supplies tapware and sanitary solutions to public and commercial spaces, making it relevant to construction and public infrastructure.
Financials
- – The article does not provide specific financial figures for the transaction.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equistone Partners Europe | Selling Company | Company | A prominent private equity firm specialising in the European mid-market. |
| KWC Group | Target Company | Company | A group focused on tapware and sanitary equipment, headquartered in Switzerland. |
| DELABIE Group | Bidding Company | Company | A European leader in tapware and sanitary equipment for public and commercial buildings. |
| Enqcor | M&A Advisor | Company | Advised Equistone on the transaction. |
| Bär & Karrer | Legal & Tax Advisor | Company | Provided legal and tax advice for the transaction. |
| Deloitte | Financial Due Diligence | Company | Conducted financial due diligence for the transaction. |