PIPELIFE BECOMES THE NEW MAJORITY OWNER OF WIDECO

The Swedish company Wideco is acquired by Pipelife, one of Europe's leading producer for water and energy pipe solutions which is part of the worldwide Wienerberger Group. Wideco contributes with deep industry insight and complements Pipelife through self-developed smart IoT platforms.

“The continued expansion of Smart Solutions is one of our strategic priorities. We therefore view the acquisition of Wideco as an attractive opportunity to strengthen our smart systems offering”, says Pär Näslund, GM Pipelife Sweden.

Together with Wideco, Pipelife plans to expand the range of Smart Solutions, especially towards its water and energy infrastructure clients. In these markets, Wideco's offer is an important addition to Pipelife’s existing portfolio. In addition, a further development towards smart buildings in the area of Smart Solutions is planned.

The current CEO and co-owner of Wideco, Karl-Johan Wirfalk, continues to run the business and maintains a smaller ownership stake. “Our new owners will give us great potential. The ambition is for Wideco to grow further with the potential that comes with combining pipe systems and smart IoT solutions. But we also see an enormous potential for our smart building solutions and the expertise and knowledge Wienerberger, a European leader in sustainable building solutions, can add to our development plans”, says Karl-Johan Wirfalk.

He adds “We are convinced the synergies between the parties will mean significant growth potential for our business going forward but most importantly will provide our customers with enhanced solutions that allow for safer operations of their buildings and energy & water networks”

Background

Pipelife, a subsidiary of Wienerberger Group, is one of the leading European plastic pipe systems and fittings producers, with 34 production plants and a presence in 24 countries.

The Wienerberger Group is a leading international provider of smart and ecological solutions for the entire building envelope and for infrastructure. Wienerberger is the world’s largest producer of bricks (Porotherm, Terca) and the market leader in clay roof tiles (Koramic, Tondach) in Europe as well as concrete pavers (Semmelrock) in Eastern Europe. In pipe systems (Steinzeug-Keramo ceramic pipes and Pipelife plastic pipes), the company is one of the leading suppliers in Europe. By acquiring Meridian Brick, Wienerberger further strengthened its position as a leading supplier of facade products in North America. With its total of 216 production sites, the Wienerberger Group generated revenues of approx. €5.0 billion and EBITDA of €1 billion in 2022.

For further information:

Karl-Johan Wirfalk, CEO, Wideco Sweden AB, +46 706 10 18 20, kjw@wideco.se