Saying Adiós to Fit: A New Chapter Begins - The Switches of the Dishwasher Detergent Empire
The closing chapter unfolds - Consumer goods companies specializing in cleaning products are up for purchase.
Grab a coffee, let's chat 🤝
Remember the iconic blue packaging on your dishwasher detergent? Well, the company behind it, Fit GmbH, is under new management now. The Spanish BlueSun Group, a prominent player in the household product sector, has bought the German-based cleaning products manufacturer. This move marks the end of Fit's independence 🚪.
You might wonder about the money changing hands, but folks involved in the deal are keeping mum 🤫. The Fit GmbH will remain an autonomous entity within BlueSun's empire. Production in and around the Saxon town of Zittau, as well as jobs, are assured to continue. The company's portfolio includes hit brands like fit dishwasher detergent, Kuschelweich, Rei in the tube, as well as body care brands Gard, Fenjal, and MUM.
According to insider info, Fit's CEO, Wolfgang Groß, has been on the hunt for a buyer for over a year. With BlueSun, he landed a chance to conquer new grounds, notably Southern Europe, France, and the Benelux countries. If all goes as planned, the deal will be sealed by August's end. A new boss needed to step up and take the reins by then.
Last year, Fit garnered a revenue of around €377 million with approximately 290 employees under their belt. BlueSun, on the other hand, boasted a turnover of around €300 million with a team of around 500.
Groß purchased the company back in 1993 from the Treuhandanstalt. Before reunification, Fit's dishwasher detergent was a ubiquitous household item in the GDR 🇩🇪🇩🇪. Production numbers dipped from 50,000 to 9,000 tons between 1989 and 1991 📉. Only 60 employees were left manning the plant in Hirschfelde near Zittau during that time.
Sources
- ntv.de
- jwu
Additional Facts:
- The transition of power in Fit has been orchestrated with the help of global law firm Hogan Lovells, which advised Dr. Wolfgang Groß on the sale of all his shares to BlueSun [2].
- With this acquisition, Fit GmbH aims to tap new markets, relying on the resources and networks of the BlueSun Group [1]. Expect to see more growth and competition in the household cleaning products scene!
- Fit GmbH's takeover under BlueSun could stir up the competitive landscape in Germany, traditionally dominated by major players like Henkel AG & Co. KGaA [3]. Keep an eye on Fit and its potential impacts in the industry!
- The acquisition by BlueSun Group could potentially provide Fit GmbH with opportunities to expand into new markets such as Southern Europe, France, and the Benelux countries, leading to increased competition in the household cleaning products industry.
- With the transition of Fit GmbH under BlueSun, the employment situation appears stable, as production and jobs are ensured to continue in Zittau, especially considering the company's diverse product portfolio that includes dishwasher detergents and body care brands.
