Smartwares Home Essentials has taken over Norbain Benelux, the Low Countries arm of the UK-based distributor Norbain which went into administration and out again in a pre-pack deal recently. Smartwares is a company in the consumer market for security products (fire, intrusion and video surveillance).
The company says that its acquisition fully fits in the Smartwares strategy to, next to obtaining new segments, achieve growth through new channels. Through its subsidiary Roos Electronics, Smartwares says that it is already a player in security in the consumer retail channel.
Norbain Benelux will become part of the division Safety and Lighting, with Roos Electronics in Gilze.
Theo Smalbraak, Managing Director at Roos Electronics and responsible for the Smartwares division Safety and Lighting: “Entrance to the professional channel not only gives us access to a large and growing market, it also give us synergies in the field of innovations, technologies and customer service. This enables us to accelerate our product and market development activities in both the consumer and the professional channel.”
About Smartwares
Smartwares Home Essentials develops and sells smart consumer products for use in and around the house. Its activities are grouped in five divisions: Basic Wear (textiles and basic fashion), Consumer Care (cleaning, household items), Safety and Lighting (alarm systems, smoke detectors, light fixtures), Decoration and Connection (paint brushes, switches) and Lifestyle (small household appliances, audio/video).
The strategy focuses on organic growth and growth through acquisition. The acquisition of Norbain Benelux is the fourth acquisition of Smartwares this year. With 1,000 employees the annual turnover of Smartwares is more than 425 million euros. The company is owned by H2 Equity Partners, NPM Capital, ABN Amro Participaties and the management.
Meanwhile the South African arm of Norbain reports an MBO (Management Buy Out) of Norbain SA.
The buyout has been led by the majority shareholders, Jan De Lange (Managing Director), Lukas Rautenbach (Financial Director) and Les Oates (Director). Jan De Lange said: “This deal represents a marvellous opportunity for us. We have utmost confidence in the business and its people and are well-positioned for future growth. We are delighted to have completed this transaction. The management team at Norbain SA has a strong understanding of our customers’ needs and the many strengths that exist within our business. With the support of our funders, the MBO allows us to invest in developing our services even further.”
