Lister's View On Veka's Purchase Of Bowater

Here is Lister's response to Veka's purchase of the Bowater group:

We have been expecting Bowater to be bought for some months now as market share and demand for construction products including windows has been shrinking in the UK and a smaller more consolidated industry with far fewer systems companies is inevitable.


Bowater is viewed as a prize for anyone to gain and they have been courted by several other systems companies for some time now. Bowater's brand, quality, innovative design, excellence in product development and customer service has produced a loyal customer base that is the envy of the industry.


But, if Bowater was to continue to develop they needed outside investment to continue in what has become a very competitive and demanding market. Our only worry was that the 'wrong' systems company would buy them.


We gave Veka our full blessing in the acquisition plans for Bowater and kept our fingers crossed that they would carry out the purchase. We were very happy indeed to hear the news.


We believe that this is best of all possible outcomes. We have known Veka for a long time and believe that they are well matched to Bowater in their focus on quality and customer service. We are also pleased to have their reassurance on the new partnership:


Dave Jones, MD of Veka says: "Each brand will continue trade under their current brands names and will retain their own brand identities and product ranges."


"The worldwide VEKA Group has always placed great importance on the plant here in the UK as one of it's key markets...Whilst we are immensely proud of our 25 year manufacturing heritage in the UK, we will not rest on our laurels and believe that continuing to look to the future is key to our ongoing success. The acquisition of Bowater Building Products and the highly esteemed WHS Halo brand demonstrates our long term commitment to manufacturing and continuing to invest in the UK. 


"The acquisition of Bowater Building Products is the result of a thorough market review by VEKA and is a long term investment for the company...the best option for the long term future of the VEKA and WHS Halo brands."


"The ethos of the VEKA and WHS Halo brands will not change - we will continue to invest in our products and services to ensure that we offer the best quality profile on the market and will continue to work in partnership with our customers to assist them with growing their business."


Now, while other systems companies still worry about what will happen to them in this market, Listers Customers can feel a sigh of relief that Bowater and Veka have committed to a new partnership that will make them the envy of our industry, stronger and better financed for the future.