Waterlogic acquires hydration solution supplier Merquip in New Zealand

01/10/2021 Waterlogic

[SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, 1^st OCTOBER 2021] – Waterlogic, a leading global designer, manufacturer, distributor and service provider of purified drinking water dispensers, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Merquip.

Run by father and son, Ross Merrick and David Merrick, and based in Auckland, Merquip has established itself over the past 20 plus years as a leading supplier of hydration solutions for the home, office and commercial spaces, as well as indoor and outdoor public environments.

Products offered range from Billi integrated tap systems dispensing instant chilled and hot water, to high volume bottle-filling stations serving large volumes of filtered drinking water. David Merrick will take on the role of General Manager, overseeing the day to day running of the Waterlogic New Zealand business, and joining the Waterlogic Australasia leadership team.

Founded in 1992, Waterlogic has pioneered the application of advanced technology in the design of its water dispensers to deliver the safest, best-tasting water proven effective against COVID-19, in the most sustainable way to organisations around the world. Its extensive range of freestanding and countertop dispensers and specialty hospitality solutions is complemented by Billi under-bench integrated tap dispensers. The Australian-made under-bench Billi system delivers eco-friendly, space-saving and stylish dispensing solutions, a favorite with consumers, corporate offices and hospitality establishments.

The deal allows Waterlogic to establish a direct presence for the first time in New Zealand building upon its prominence in Australia and expanding its offering by introducing its point-of-use (POU) dispensers and Purezza hospitality products into New Zealand.

Carl Crowley, CEO Waterlogic Australasia, said, “Having worked closely with Merquip since 2018 we are very excited to have the Merquip team join our business and to directly enter the New Zealand market. We look forward to continuing the growth of the Billi range in New Zealand and to expanding our New Zealand hydration platform, with further investment in the POU and bottle-filling station categories and the launch of Purezza.”

Ross Merrick, Managing Director, Merquip Limited and David Merrick, COO, Merquip Limited said, “We are extremely excited to join the Waterlogic group. The long-term partnership we have with the Waterlogic-owned Billi brand makes this a natural fit for both parties, and allows us to expand our customer offering with their cutting-edge point-of-use dispenser range and Purezza hospitality solutions. We look forward to growing our position as the go-to provider of hydration solutions in New Zealand for many years to come.”

Waterlogic was acquired in January 2015 by funds managed by Castik Capital, the European private equity investor. Merquip is the most recent acquisition as part of the company’s buy and build strategy since the acquisition by Castik, and following substantial acquisitions in the U.S. and Canada, UK, Australia, Spain, France, Germany, Latin America and Scandinavia.

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Media Contact

Rosanna Turner, Group Marketing Communications Manager

rosanna.turner[at]waterlogic.com

About Waterlogic

Waterlogic is an innovative designer, manufacturer, distributor and service provider of drinking water dispensers and accessories designed for environments such as offices, factories, hospitals,

restaurants, hotels, schools and public spaces. From freestanding, countertop and integrated dispensers to water filling stations, fountains and boilers, every solution focuses on delivering the best quality water in the safest and most sustainable way. An extensive range of consumables and accessories adapts to customer needs and is available on subscription service to guarantee cost savings and continuous supply.

Founded in 1992, Waterlogic was one of the first companies to introduce mains-fed dispensers to customers worldwide, and has been at the forefront of the market promoting product design and water quality, the application of proprietary technologies, sustainability and world-class sales and service.

Waterlogic has its own subsidiaries in 22 countries and its core markets are the U.S., Australia and Western Europe, in particular the UK and Germany. The company drives growth organically and through M&A to consolidate its position in existing territories and extend its reach to new markets. In addition, Waterlogic’s extensive and expanding independent global distribution network spans over 50 countries around the world in North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and South Africa. Its far-reaching market coverage means Waterlogic is the only water dispenser provider able to cover the full geographical needs of global customers under one roof. More information can be found at www.waterlogic.com

About Castik

Castik Capital S.à r.l (“Castik”) manages investments in private equity. Castik is a European multistrategy investment manager, acquiring significant ownership positions in European private and public companies, where long-term value can be generated through active partnerships with management teams. Founded in 2014, Castik Capital focuses on identifying and developing investment opportunities across Europe. The investments are made by the Luxembourg based EPIC funds. The first fund, EPIC I, had a volume of €1 billion and was raised in 2014/2015. The second fund, EPIC II, had its final close in October 2020 and a volume of €1.25 billion. The third fund, EPIC I-b, closed in May 2021 with a volume of €700m and is a single asset fund that owns a controlling stake in Waterlogic. The advisor to Castik is Castik Capital Partners GmbH, based in Munich.