CWS strengthens its position in the Benelux with the acquisition of Vendor from Egeria

With 195 employees, Vendor generated a turnover of around €40 million in 2018. The company was part of Egeria’s Evergreen Private Equity Fund. Vendor is a washroom hygiene specialist, with a total service concept for a wide range of business segments, including industry, logistics, leisure and education. From its head office in Tilburg and its own branches in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Switzerland, a large part of the European market is served. Vendor also exports its products worldwide.

Innovative and sustainable

As a system provider with six solution areas, CWS stands for a shared vision: making the future healthier and safer. Vendor’s similar business model makes it a valuable addition to the CWS Group. Gradually, Vendor will be integrated into the CWS Group, combining services and logistics, as well as the product and solution offerings of the two organisations. No changes are to be expected for customers and suppliers for the time being. “As an innovative and sustainable hygiene company, Vendor is an ideal complement in the strategically important Benelux market. We are looking forward to being in a position to offer our customers the best services and products from both companies in the future,” said Frank Reisgies, General Manager Hygiene Core of the CWS Group.

Market leadership and vision

CWS’ declared purpose is to create a healthier and safer tomorrow with the brand striving for the highest standards. The company offers innovative, sustainable and digital rental solutions to ensure the improved health, safety and protection of its customers and their workforces. “The acquisition of Vendor is part of our corporate strategy of offering complete solutions providing better hygiene and safety from a single source right across Europe,” explained Jürgen Höfling, CEO of the CWS Group. “The market potential in Benelux in particular is very high at present, with companies setting increasingly greater store by outsourcing and taking sustainability seriously. As such, we hope that this acquisition will translate to considerable and sustainable growth in the region.”

According to Egbert Prenger of private equity firm Egeria, Vendor has found an excellent partner in CWS to guarantee a successful future: “Since 2000, Vendor has been a part of Egeria and as from 2006 it is included in Egeria’s Evergreen Private Equity Fund. During the 19 years under Egeria’s shareholder ship, the company has developed from a local manufacturer and distributor of sanitary and hygiene products into an international service organisation. We are proud to have been able, along with management, to successfully develop the company during such a long period.”

Product innovations for improved health

The CWS Group sees a valuable addition to its core business in Vendor’s innovative product solutions such as the IQ hand towel dispenser for washrooms with high visitor volumes. This innovative device dispenses folded paper as a continuous roll, i.e. no waste is left behind in the washroom. Vendor is certified at the highest possible level of the CSR Performance Ladder with regards to the sustainability of its products and services. Sabine Thuysbaert, CEO of Vendor explained: “More and more companies are taking sustainability into account and choose for a long term partnership with one service provider, especially in the Benelux region. We are convinced that, by joining forces, we will create new opportunities for all parties involved.”