Klafs, the German manufacturer of saunas and other hydrothermal features, has been acquired by Kohler, which is known for bath equipment as well as running Kohler Waters Spas in the US and at Old Course Hotel, Scotland.
Kohler has signed a deal to acquire Klafs from The Egeria Group for an undisclosed sum. The deal is expected to be closed in the first quarter of 2024.
Klafs chief executive Phillip Rock and chief financial officer Jens Friedrich will continue in their leadership roles, and the company will join Kohler’s Luxury Brands division, alongside Ann Sacks, Kallista, Robern, and Kast Concrete Basins.
Whith headquarters in Schwäbisch Hall, Germany, Klafs develops, designs, manufactures, and sells wellness products including saunas, sanariums, infrared cabins, steam baths, pools, and related wellness equipment and accessories.
In addition, the company provides consultation and planning services across both commercial and residential projects.
Klafs employs 850 people across Germany, the UK, Switzerland, Austria, Poland, Netherlands, Spain, and Mexico.
David Kohler, chair and chief executive of Kohler, said, “As a privately held, global company celebrating our 150th anniversary, Kohler has always embraced a relentless pursuit of providing exceptional products, services, and experiences for our customers.
He added, “Klafs is an international market leader with a stellar reputation that shares our passion for innovation and delighting customers.
Hannes Rumer, partner and managing director at Egeria, said: “Over the last years we have worked with CEO Phillip Rock and the entire team at Klafs on transforming the company from a strong player in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland to a pan-European market leader for premium sauna, spa, and wellness products.
He added, “It has been a great entrepreneurial team-up and we are especially proud of the successful roll-out of Klafs’ exciting product portfolio in Northern and Western Europe, both organically and through several acquisitions. Kohler is the ideal partner to maintain the high-end positioning of the brand.”
