Global giant born as Fluidra and Zodiac announce merger

Fluidra, the Spanish listed multinational group serving the residential and commercial pool and wellness sector and Zodiac Pool Solutions, a global manufacturer of residential pool equipment and connected pool solutions, plan to merge in the first half of 2018.

Both companies have significant presences in Australia, and Fluidra has the largest pool and spa manufacturing facility in Australia (and one of the largest in the world) in the AstralPool Australia factory in Melbourne.

Globally, the businesses have complementary geographical strengths, with Fluidra stronger in Europe and Asia (including Australia), and Zodiac stronger in the USA, and sharing different sectors in other markets. The brand portfolios and product offerings are also relatively complementary.

The combined company will keep Fluidra’s name and public listing on the Spanish stock exchange, employ a workforce of 5500 dedicated pool industry professionals and operate an expansive global footprint stretching across more than 45 countries in North America, Europe, Australia, Asia, South America and Africa, with the US representing its largest market.

Fluidra will remain listed on the Spanish stock exchange with its global headquarters in Sabadell (Barcelona), Spain and North American headquarters in Vista (San Diego), California.

Fluidra Executive President Eloi Planes will serve as Executive Chairman of its Board of Directors while Zodiac CEO Bruce Brooks will serve as the company’s CEO.

Expanded product portfolio

The merged organisation will offer a significantly expanded product portfolio that includes some of the most widely recognised and respected global pool brands, including Zodiac, Jandy Pro Series, Polaris, AstralPool, Cepex, Gre and CTX Professional.

Additionally, with its expanded resources, the new company will be positioned to accelerate innovation to meet market demand for more efficient, customer-focused solutions in growing fields like robotics and the Internet of Things (IOT).

Zodiac brings to the merger its strong position in North America and a dedicated focus on residential pool solutions, while Fluidra brings its strength in Europe, Australia, Asia, South America and Africa, plus a product portfolio that includes commercial as well as residential pool products. Combining these complementary geographical strengths and areas of expertise will result in a new organisation able to offer innovative solutions on a global basis for the total pool market – from residential to commercial projects.

“By combining Fluidra and Zodiac, we will build a strong and exciting platform from which to better serve our customers, develop user-driven sustainable innovations and create opportunities for our people and our dealers,” says Fluidra Executive President Eloi Planes.

“This merger will create significant value for customers, employees and shareholders.”

Zodiac CEO Bruce Brooks says it will be a merger between two industry leaders with a shared customer-centered vision, a commitment to innovation and a clear and complementary set of values.

“We will have expanded reach into growing global markets and the ability to accelerate product development and better meet our customers’ needs worldwide,” he says.

The merger is expected to close in the first half of 2018.