KANSAI HELIOS signed a share purchase agreement to acquire 100% share of CWS Lackfabrik GmbH (“CWS”). CWS, with its group companies, is a well-known powder coatings and liquid and solid synthetic resins producer, with more than 150 years of tradition and its headquarters in Düren (Germany). After the fulfillment of closing conditions, KANSAI HELIOS will become the new owner of CWS and its group companies in Germany, USA, Denmark and Poland. This consolidation represents a long-term opportunity for KANSAI HELIOS to increase the market position in the coatings industry especially in the field of powder coatings, as well as synthetic resins.

CWS Lackfabrik GmbH is a family-owned company with around 250 employees. Its successful history started in 1864 and was driven by continuous growth and ongoing investments in modern production technologies. CWS is also a well-recognized brand in the industry with a powder coatings production in Düren (Germany) and New York (United States), a solid resins production in Düren (Germany) and a liquid resins production in Düren and Hamburg (Germany). Additionally the group has trading companies in Poland and Denmark.

The owner and CEO of CWS, Mr. Hans-Helmuth Schmidt explains his decision to sell his company: “CWS has developed into a strong and stable company that has become known far beyond the borders of Germany. Yes, we are on a successful course and the company is in its best shape, in terms of revenue, profit, development potential and market shares. But, we are still a medium-sized company without the advantages of a large corporate group in a market environment that is becoming more and more challenging for small and medium-sized companies. The sale of my company is a great opportunity for the long-term development, for CWS and also for KANSAI HELIOS.”

KANSAI HELIOS, as being part of KANSAI PAINT, ranks among major global market players. High standards, extensive know-how, passion for innovation and the drive for continuous improvement form the environment, where KANSAI HELIOS smart coatings are born. Looking back on more than 170 years of history and tradition, the company group today designs, produces and distributes industrial coatings solutions, chemicals for bleaching and cleaning, materials for sticking and sealing, high-quality resins, architectural paints and refinishing coatings throughout Europe and beyond.

The KANSAI HELIOS powder coatings segment represents one of the most perspective-rich programs that open up a completely new view of functional coatings of the future – environmentally friendly and without organic solvents. With the purchase of CWS, KANSAI HELIOS is significantly expanding its strategic position in this area, gaining additional know-how, additional distribution channels, production and storage capacities, and will further expand its presence in Europe, above all Germany.

Bastian Krauss, Executive Director KANSAI HELIOS Group states: ”This acquisition is a milestone in line with the ESG and growth strategy of KANSAI HELIOS. With CWS we have found a perfect complement and extension of our own competences, in powder coatings and synthetic resins as well as the existing liquid coating business, which strengthens our system supplier strategy, because we not only share the same philosophy, but also the same values. I am convinced that this step will lead us from good to great.”