BioLab owner to sell to private equity firm

KIK Custom Products, owner of BioLab, has entered into an agreement to be purchased by an affiliate of New York based private equity firm Centerbridge Partners.

It follows the US$300 million acquisition last year by KIK Customer Products of the consumer products business of Chemtura Corporation, previous owner of BioLab, in a bid to expand its pool and spa chemical business.

While the transaction is still subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions, KIK Custom Products sees no reason for the sale not to be completed in due course.

BioLab Australia and New Zealand Commercial Director Mr Lindsay McGrath says he welcomes the acquisition and expects it to provide an opportunity for further growth.

“The pool and spa industry is a global business and BioLab’s local operations have benefited from being part of a global structure which invests heavily in product development, research and training,” he says.

Centerbridge is a private investment firm with offices in New York and London with a strong focus in both consumer and industrial companies in North America and Europe.

Meanwhile, BioLab is consolidating its reputation as an industry leader in professional development and training with the launch of the BioGuard Platinum Retailer Club.

BioGuard Platinum Retailer status will be given to BioGuard retailers who complete a new training program during BioGuard’s Pool Schools, to be held across Australia and New Zealand from July to September.

Designed for retail and service staff, the program will focus on intensive chemistry and equipment training, problem solving skills and translating learnings into sales.

The two-day intensive training program will give BioGuard retailers a competitive advantage by arming them with superior knowledge and skills, which can then be marketed through their Platinum status.

BioLab will invest in promoting the BioGuard Platinum Retailer Club to pool owners and support retailers to promote their Platinum Status within their local area.

McGrath says BioLab is committed to investing in the BioGuard retailer network and that BioGuard Pool Schools last year attracted record attendances.

The 2015 BioGuard Pool Schools kick off in Brisbane on July 22 and wrap up in Wellington, New Zealand on September 25.