RAK Ceramics has acquired full control of its subsidiaries in the UK – RAK Ceramics UK, and Germany – RAK Germany.
Following the acquisition, the sanitaryware, tiles and sinks manufacturer announced the appointment of a new leadership team for its core European operations.
Alvin Biggs has been named as managing director for RAK UK, while Math Rietrae becomes general manager of RAK Ceramics’ Central Europe division, based in Germany. Søren Hougaard has taken on the role of general manager for RAK Ceramic’s North Europe division and will be based in Denmark.
RAK Ceramics exports around 70% of the products it makes in the UAE, with the majority going to markets in Europe and Saudi Arabia.
Total net sales at the end of Q3 2015 from Europe for tiles and sanitaryware reached Dh248 million (£46.7m). RAK said its new European offices would help ensure it is strategically positioned to serve the entire European market.
Abdallah Massaad, group chief executive at RAK Ceramics, said: “We are excited to have strengthened our presence in the UK and Europe. These recent acquisitions and new management appointments reflect the success of our refocused strategy and continued execution of the Value Creation Plan endorsed by the board of directors in 2014. We are confident in our ability to enhance margins in the long run and become a strong global competitor, strengthening our position within the ceramics industry around the world.”