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[March 2008]
US Bath and Plumbing Companies Merge
The leaders of American Standard America, Crane Plumbing Holding Corp and Eljer Holding Corp have announced that the merger of their respective companies is now complete. The new combined company will conduct business under the name of American Standard Brands. Donald Devine, previously President and CEO of American Standard America, has been named CEO of American Standard Brands, effective immediately. Until integration plans are complete, Kevin Oak will retain his role as CEO of Crane as will Jim Harris as CEO of Eljer. Both will report to Donald Devine. Once integration plans are complete, Kevin Oak will assume the COO position of American Standard Brands and Jim Harris will continue to serve on the merger integration leadership team.
American Standard Brands will offer a broader brand portfolio, a more comprehensive set of product lines, enhanced distribution opportunities, cost benefits and greater scale in its relevant markets, stated the partners. “We are excited to join forces with Crane and Eljer to create a leading North American bath and plumbing company that will offer a stronger, more compelling value proposition to our commercial, retail, showroom and residential customers,” said Donald Devine. “Our customers will now be able to select from a broader mix of products and rely on consistently high levels of quality, value and customer service.
“As previously announced, we are in the process of integration planning. Integration takes time and must be done right, but we are excited to bring these world-class firms together as quickly as we can and will provide updates where appropriate and through your regular company contact.”
American Standard America is a leading North American manufacturer of bath and kitchen products. The company participates in all key product categories including bathroom and kitchen faucets, fixtures and furniture with leading positions in toilets and the number two position in bathroom fixtures in the USA and overall category leadership in Canada, the Dominican Republic and Mexico. Products are marketed under brand names such as American Standard®, Porcher® and Jado®. American Standard America delivers products to a wide range of customers in both residential and commercial markets and for new construction and replacement/remodelling. The network includes wholesalers (including showrooms), retailers (including do-it-yourself centres) and specialty merchants.
Crane Plumbing manufactures and distributes plumbing fixtures and specialty plumbing products in the USA and Canada under the Crane Plumbing, Fiat, Showerite, Universal-Rundle and Sanymetal brand names. Products are sold to over 3,000 plumbing wholesale outlets and 4,000 retail stores including Lowe’s, Home Depot and Menard’s.
Eljer manufactures and markets vitreous china fixtures, cast iron sinks, whirlpool tubs and other related plumbing products for the kitchen and bathroom markets. Products are distributed through a network of wholesale distributors, hardware stores and do-it-yourself home centres serving the residential, commercial construction, remodelling and repair markets in both the USA and Canada.
ENDS