Kartell UK acquires Clear Look

Kartell UK, the heating and bathroom product distributor, has announced the acquisition of Cotswold-based mirror specialist Clear Look.

In a statement the brand said its investment in the Clear Look brand – which has been manufacturing mirrors for the bathroom and across the home for 70 years – “is an ideal addition to complement its existing range of K-VIT bathroom products” and that it “would support the growth and ambitions of the group with our key stakeholders and customers”. In the statement the company confirmed that from June 2022 all orders given to Clear Look Ltd would be processed and managed by Kartell UK.

Kartell UK

Commenting on the deal Alex Norford, CEO of Kartell, said: “The acquisition of the Clear Look brand was an opportunity which fits perfectly with our strategy and complements our existing range of K-VIT products. I have no doubt we will continue and enhance the great work which has already been achieved by the team at Clear Look. The high-quality products within the Clear Look portfolio only add to the group’s shared focus of best-in-class quality.”

Tom Fitzcharles, director of Clear Look, added: “On behalf of the team at Clear Look, I would like to thank all of our customers for their support.”

Bedford-based Kartell is also the parent company of shower tray brand, JT and radiator specialist, Vogue UK. The news of its Clear Look acquisition follows Kartell UK’s recent purchase of Summerbridge Holdings and its subsidiary Humber Doors in January this year.

Founded in 2008, Kartell UK is one of the largest suppliers of radiators, towel warmers and bathroom products to the independent and merchant showroom sector in the UK. The group turns over in excess of £135 million through its K-RAD, K-VIT, JT, Vogue UK and Summerbridge brands. It employs more than 540 people across its sites in Bedford, Wigan, Willenhall, Leeds and Hull.

Meanwhile, Kartell’s Leeds-based shower tray brand, JT, has announced that it has reached a major milestone in its European strategy. Over the last 18 months, the brand has exported more than 100,000 trays into Europe, which has resulted in a 50% increase across all exports year on year. This growth has been centred around a number of key markets, including Italy, Spain, Portugal and The Netherlands, with the brand’s focus now shifting to France and Germany.

Paul Haigh, managing director JT, said: “We wanted to secure the future of the business through investing in our growth and expansion, and I’m incredibly proud of what the team has gone on to achieve. We’ve managed to reach these major milestones in the wider European market, whilst also maintaining our UK position as the largest manufacturer of shower trays.

“Our innovation of the 25% lighter tray has allowed us to rival Chinese competitors, bringing together quality with reduced manufacturing and export costs, whilst also benefitting our impact on the planet.”

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