International. Hempel has signed an agreement to acquire 65% of one of the leading German manufacturers of decorative paint: J.W. Ostendorf (JWO). Upon closing of the transaction, JWO will become part of Hempel worldwide.
The investment in JWO is a significant reinforcement in Hempel's third strategic business area: the decorative business. Hempel Group President and CEO Henrik Andersen commented: "Our decoration business is relatively new and has therefore naturally been slightly overshadowed by the company's other two strategic business areas, Marine and Protection. This is over. With the investment in JWO, one of the world's leading manufacturers of decorative paint, we have significantly increased our decoration business and sent a signal that we are ready to do more, in Europe and in the world."
JWO has a market position as the only private label specialist in Europe. In 20 European countries and five non-European countries, JWO works to boost the development of retail brands. The company has approximately 750 employees and is located in Coesfeld, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, and in Cestas, France.
JWO is a modern paint manufacturer in Europe. Its production is highly automated and environmentally friendly, and there is a constant focus on hygiene. JWO is certified by LGA (derived hygiene standards for paint for the food industry). Among other things, production is mainly based on water, but JWO also produces solvent-based products.
