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Fluidra continues global expansion with acquisition of S.R.Smith

Fluidra continues global expansion with acquisition of S.R.Smith
September 2, 2021

Fluidra S.A., the Spanish listed global leader in aquatic facility and wellness equipment and connected solutions, has announced its acquisition of S.R.Smith, the US-based manufacturer of commercial and residential pool deck equipment and accessories, from private equity fund Champlain Capital.

Founded in 1932, S.R. Smith is a leading global manufacturer specialising in commercial and residential pool deck equipment and accessories.

Their product portfolio, which is complementary to Fluidra’s offering, is extensive and includes a wide range of products, such as starting blocks, rails, ladders, slides, diving boards, ADA-compliant lifts, swimwall systems, thermal cover systems and in-pool furniture.

Headquartered in the US state of Oregon, S.R. Smith operates manufacturing facilities from multiple locations in the USA and Australia with its products supported by distributors around the world, with a focus in the United States, Australia, Canada and Europe.

In Australia, the S.R. Smith business includes Sunbather, one of the country’s leading suppliers of heating solutions and pool covers.

With the addition of SR Smith’s footprint in Australia, Fluidra will further expand its extensive existing operational network, increasing the company’s overall product delivery capability.

The acquisition from US-based private equity fund Champlain Capital, was valued at US$240 million and was fully settled at closing with existing cash and debt facilities.

Announcing the acquisition overnight, Fluidra Chief Executive, Bruce Brooks stated “our ultimate goal is to be the best partner in the industry for our customers.

“In the past year, we’ve doubled down on our commitment to grow in different market segments and product categories and have made several strategic acquisitions to bring us closer to that goal.

“This latest acquisition of S.R.Smith doesn’t just move us one step closer, it propels us. S.R. Smith is an exceptional company with a talented team and stellar reputation. Their specialised expertise and comprehensive portfolio of products will accelerate our future growth into the commercial and residential pool segments and will ultimately allow us to better serve our customers in North America and around the world.”

S.R.Smith Chief Executive, Rich Laitta noted “we are excited to join the Fluidra family. 

“With their strong dedication to meeting customer needs, focus on innovative solutions and services, and global market expertise, we believe this move will facilitate the next evolution of growth for S.R. Smith.”

Keith Hall, Managing Director at S.R. Smith Australia, also welcomed the acquisition, commenting “it was through the acquisition of a commercial pool equipment manufacturing business in late 2013 that laid the company’s foundation down-under.

“Additional acquisitions, channel expansion and new product innovations helped S.R. Smith expand their footprint across Australia. Joining the Fluidra family helps S.R. Smith Australia support their clear vision for global growth, importantly this includes Oceania.

“The commitment that Fluidra has to the Australian swimming pool industry must be acknowledged and applauded.”

Sunbather Managing Director, Tom Boadle went on to say "Sunbather is a 47 year old business and it feels like we are just getting started.

“We are pleased to be joining the Fluidra group as our Brand, People & Products are all striving for greatness which will be accelerated by this acquisition. Sunbather's unique and innovative range of products will help fill a gap for Fluidra and our team is highly enthusiastic about global reach opportunities, and working with such an accomplished company as we move into the future."

Following the acquisition, S.R. Smith and Sunbather will continue to operate in an independent manner out of its Richlands (Queensland) and Hastings (Victoria) head-offices, respectively.

A Spanish listed firm, Fluidra is the global leader in the pool and wellness equipment business. It provides innovative products, services and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions.

The company operates in over 45 countries and owns a portfolio of some of the industry’s most recognised and trusted brands, including AstralPoolⓇ, ZodiacⓇ, PolarisⓇ, CepexⓇ, JandyⓇ, BarracudaⓇ and MagnapoolⓇ.

For more information on Fluidra Commercial, click here to visit their listing in the Australasian Leisure Management Supplier Directory.

Images: S.R.Smith's Velocity starting block (top) and Fluidra's OC-1 filtration media (below).

Related Articles

2nd August 2021 - Anti Wave helps drive Australian swimmers’ achievements at the Tokyo Olympics

5th March 2021 - S.R.Smith announces acquisition of assets of Stark Bulkheads

6th September 2020 - Fluidra earns its seventh FINA certificate in Indonesia

14th November 2019 - S.R.Smith acquires solar pool leader Sunbather

5th June 2019 - Fluidra Skypools to be used for new Indonesian aquatic centre

4th July 2018 - Global pool giants Fluidra and Zodiac finalise merger

29th June 2018 - Sunbather secures 2018 ARV Business Excellence Award

7th December 2017 - AstralPool Australia launches new social media platforms and The Cool Pool blog

4th November 2017 - Fluidra and Zodiac merger to create global pool industry leader

21st April 2017 - Sunbather offers a solution to soaring energy costs for Sydney pools

13th February 2017 - S.R.Smith completes SwimWall installation at Griffith University Gold Coast campus

10th July 2015 - S.R.Smith acquires assets of All Fibreglass Products

25th May 2015 - S.R.Smith releases pool basketball features for aquatic centres

5th February 2015 - S.R.Smith expands product range for Australian aquatic facilities

4th September 2014 - IQ and Pierce Pool Supplies appointed exclusive distributor for S.R.Smith products


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