Waterlogic acquires water and coffee distributor HBS in Portugal
MAIDENHEAD, UK, 3rd SEPTEMBER 2021 – Waterlogic, a leading global designer, manufacturer, distributor and service provider of purified drinking water dispensers, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Home Business Solutions (HBS), including the Ocafe and Aagua offerings, in Portugal.
HBS meets the hydration needs of over 17,000 customers daily with high quality coffee machines and consumables, point-of-use (POU) water dispensers and bottled water coolers, serving both domestic and commercial markets. HBS was founded over ten years ago by Hamilton Faria to offer the best coffee, water and hot drinks service, maintaining the highest levels of quality and excellence. Today HBS is led by João Faria, who will continue to lead the team of 16 employees from their offices in Lisbon and Porto and will take on the role of Managing Director of Waterlogic Portugal. Hamilton Faria will continue in his current role, supporting key customer accounts.
Founded in 1992, Waterlogic is a vertically integrated company operating throughout Europe, the Americas and Australia with its own manufacturing operations and an extensive independent global distribution network, together reaching over 70 countries. Waterlogic has pioneered the application of advanced technology in the design of its water dispensers to deliver the most sustainable, safest water proven effective against COVID-19. The company is responsible for hydrating nearly 50 million consumers daily and contributes to the reduction of 23.8 billion single-use plastic bottles each year.
The deal allows Waterlogic to establish a direct presence in Portugal, a country that has experienced more than 70% growth in POU over the last 5 years, and to continue to drive coffee sales in Portugal as well as POU category-specific growth.
Gerardo Álvarez, Managing Director Waterlogic Iberia, said, “Their exceptionally strong management and skilled team was the influencing factor in our decision to acquire HBS and establish a foothold for the first time in Portugal. We look forward to welcoming the HBS team under the leadership of João Faria to continue the well-managed and excellent growth they have achieved over the last 10 years.”
Waterlogic continues to actively expand its footprint across the world to offer an extensive range of freestanding and countertop dispensers, Billi integrated tap dispensers and Purezza, the company’s specialty restaurant and hospitality solution.
João Faria, HBS CEO, said, “We are extremely excited to join the Waterlogic group. It will enable us to continue to improve how we serve our customers. Waterlogic’s focus on innovation, quality and efficient service complements our approach to business. Being part of the Waterlogic team offers us the opportunity to accelerate our growth and to provide our customers with cutting-edge, COVID-secure technology in support of the clear local demand for high quality, hygienic and sustainable water dispensers.”
Waterlogic was acquired in January 2015 by funds managed by Castik Capital, the European private equity investor. HBS 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 21 countries and its leading 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 lead 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.