Fluidmaster acquires European Company

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif and IDRIJA, Slovenia, Jan. 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Fluidmaster, Inc., the world's largest manufacturer of toilet tank components and trim announced today its acquisition of the Kolektor Liv based in Postojna, Slovenia.  Kolektor Liv has been one of a leading European provider of sanitary ware products, including in-wall and concealed cisterns, under the LIV® and Schwab® brands actively sold in over 30 countries in Europe and in the Middle East.

"Fluidmaster and Kolektor have been discussing a potential collaboration for some time and we jointly determined that this acquisition is the best way to serve both existing and prospective customers in Europe and beyond," said Robert AndersonSchoepe, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Fluidmaster. "This acquisition supports our corporate objective to continue strengthening our core business in the European market, in part by adding to our cistern product portfolio."

"We selected Fluidmaster on basis of its ability to ensure future growth equal to or even greater than our own strategic plan for the sanitaryware business, coupled with our social responsibility towards the local community and environment in which Kolektor Liv operates," explained Radovan Bolko, Kolektor CEO.  "Fluidmaster shares our vision of maintaining workplaces and plans to further develop the business from its existing location."

The structure of employees and the management of Kolektor Liv marketing sanitary products under the existing LIV and Schwab brands will remain in place.  "We are excited about this particular location as a base for expanding our European operations," stated Todd Talbot, Fluidmaster President. "Through our discussions, we have gained great respect for the leaders of this business and look forward to fully integrating them into the Fluidmaster team."

"Fluidmaster, LIV and Schwab products are very complementary and we believe our combined sales teams will be able to grow the business with this comprehensive product portfolio," said Uros Likar, Managing Director of Kolektor Liv. "Fluidmaster is poised to fully leverage the potential in our operations, products and people and we look forward to a bright future for the new enterprise."

Established in 1957, Fluidmaster remains a family owned and operated company known for its superior engineering of efficient and reliable toilet components.  The company has become an icon in the plumbing industry, leading the market with a worldwide distribution network across more than 80 countries.  Fluidmaster sells more toilet tank replacement valves than any other manufacturer in the world.  In addition to the original fill valve developed by founder Adolf Schoepe and enhanced through the years, Fluidmaster's complete line of products include toilet flappers, single and dual flush valves, tank levers, bowl wax, toilet repair kits, and a wide range of water supply line connectors.

Kolektor group boasts tradition in highly specialized industrial production. On its path of half a century Kolektor evolved into a global company with its seat in Slovenia and a wide spread net of companies and subsidiaries in Europe, in the USA and in Asia. Strategic position of the company`s headquarters in the heart of Europe, and global marketing and production presence on all important world markets, ensure effective managing of market demand and optimal business solutions. Developmentally and technologically advanced processes speak of our efforts to fulfill customer demands by providing prompt and responsible solutions. Kolektor group is a trans-national company connecting almost 30 companies on strategic world markets.

SOURCE Fluidmaster, Inc.