Poggenpohl finally has a new owner after months of speculation, shocks and last-gasp gazumps.
The takeover of the Germany-based company, which claims to be the oldest kitchen brand in the world, has been completed by Jomoo Germany.
A subsidiary of the Chinese Jomoo Group, it takes over completely on September 1 and RWK and Kuhlmann Küchen boss Ralf Marohn has been appointed as managing director.
“Poggenpohl will remain a German kitchen brand with production in Herford that stands for sophisticated, modern design as well as high quality and reliability,” Marohn said. “Our customers can continue to rely on the high brand promise. The jobs in Herford will be retained and the entire team of employees will return Poggenpohl to its old glory and strength.
“We are delighted that our customers continue to support Poggenpohl. This shows the close bond and firm belief in what Poggenpohl represents – both historically and in the future.”
Marohn will also continue as managing director of RWK and Kuhlmann Küchen.
Poggenpohl says that product design and innovation will be an ongoing focus as well as the further development of regional markets both in continental Europe and overseas, such as the USA, China, India and the Middle East.
The network of existing showrooms and dealers will also be expanded as a result.
Poggenpohl began bankruptcy proceedings at the end of April, blaming the sudden downturn in business caused by the coronavirus lockdown.
Smallbone and Mark Wilkinson owner Lux Group rapidly became the shock front-runner to buy the company and declared they had been successful in June
However, a shock last-minute bid by Jomoo saw a furious Lux owner Ron Shemesh blast Jomoo and the administrators over their handling of the deal.
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