It is a leader in the field of thermal insulation systems. Its core range also includes high quality facade elements as well as interior and exterior renders and paints. Other areas of activity include concrete restoration and floor coatings. Despite its group structure and size, Sto remains a family business with an illustrious history and traditional company values. These are parallels that we have already learned to value at STRÖHER after our several years of collaboration with Sto. This share purchase provides not only the manifestation of a long-term partnership and a securing of strategic options, but also puts a clear-sighted succession plan in place for STRÖHER.
On 18/11/2015, Sto SE & Co. KGaA, headquartered in Stühlingen, acquired a 50.1% shareholding in STRÖHER, the Dillenburg-based clinker and ceramics specialists. With more than 5,000 employees and an annual turnover of around €1.2 billion, Sto is one of the most important international manufacturers of coating products and systems for buildings. It is a leader in the field of thermal insulation systems. Its core range also includes high quality facade elements as well as interior and exterior renders and paints. Other areas of activity include concrete restoration and floor coatings. Despite its group structure and size, Sto remains a family business with an illustrious history and traditional company values. These are parallels that we have already learned to value at STRÖHER after our several years of collaboration with Sto. This share purchase provides not only the manifestation of a long-term partnership and a securing of strategic options, but also puts a clear-sighted succession plan in place for STRÖHER.
Gerhard Albert, Chairman of the Board and STRÖHER partner: "For some years, our relationship with Sto has extended beyond a simple supplier relationship, as a result of our very intensive project work. This sale of shares is the next step in the further expansion of our leadership in innovation and our impact as an extrusion specialist and ceramics producer for indoor and outdoor facade and floor coatings. Since I myself am approaching 60, I have been grappling with the issue of a succession plan for STRÖHER for some considerable time. The presence of the Sto group represents an excellent solution on all levels."
Rainer Hüttenberger, spokesman of the Sto board: "Our corporate philosophy aims to create, maintain and increase the value and aesthetic effect of buildings. For us, the ecological sustainability and economic viability of a product are essential factors. With STRÖHER we have now found an appropriate partner and clinker brick specialist for facade and floor ceramics. Since Sto has to date registered property rights for over 160 inventions, it will be exciting to watch the future development of STRÖHER as a technology leader."
The Sto Group and STRÖHER GmbH intend to expand their activities in the area of ceramics for facade systems in particular, and to further enhance their market position as a result of this cooperation. For this reason, the facade division of the Sto group and the facade business area of STRÖHER GmbH will become more closely interlinked. Product and system strengths will be combined, and the innovative facade programme will be significantly expanded as a result of the manufacturing competencies on both sides. For Sto SE & Co. KGaA, this share purchase marks a further step towards securing technology leadership as one of the leading international facade specialists. STRÖHER GmbH expects to achieve attractive growth in sales due to worldwide market access and thereputation of the Sto Group in all sectors of facade and floor ceramics.
The distribution of all STRÖHER ceramics ranges at the national and international levels will continue to be done via the established distribution channels. In addition, there will be no staffing changes. Gerhard Albert, Partner and Chairman of the Board, Patrick Schneider, Partner and Managing Director Inland Sales and the STRÖHER subsidiary GEPADI Fliesen GmbH, Johannes Weg, Managing Director Technology, and Peter Kraft, Head of Export Sales, along with their respective teams, are looking forward to a productive year in 2016.
The share acquisition is subject to approval by the relevant merger authorities.
