Villeroy & Boch has announced record revenue of €1.42 billion for 2024, marking a 57.6% increase year-on-year. This surge is primarily attributed to the acquisition of Ideal Standard in March 2024, which also contributed to a 10% rise in operating EBIT, from €88.7 million to €97.6 million, despite challenging market conditions.

Strategic Integration of Ideal Standard

The integration of Ideal Standard has been a key focus for Villeroy & Boch in 2024. CEO Gabi Schupp commented, “The successful integration of Ideal Standard has strengthened our position in the market, with two powerful brands, a clear growth strategy, and an international structure.” The combined strengths in product portfolios, sales channels, and regional presence have enhanced the Group’s competitiveness.

Acquisition-Driven Growth in Bathroom & Wellness

The Bathroom & Wellness Division saw a substantial revenue increase of 89.7%, reaching €1.1 billion. The acquisition of Ideal Standard contributed €512.1 million in sales. Despite a sluggish construction sector, revenue growth was recorded in ceramic sanitary ware and fittings. Operating profit (EBIT) in this division rose 13.8%, reaching €65.2 million.

Stability in Dining & Lifestyle Division

The Dining & Lifestyle Division maintained a stable revenue of €319.3 million despite economic challenges. Growth in project business for hotels and restaurants, along with e-commerce, offset declines in brick-and-mortar retail. The division closed 2024 with an operating profit (EBIT) of €32.4 million, a 3.2% increase from the previous year.

Investments and Modernisation

In 2024, Villeroy & Boch invested €58.3 million in modernising and automating production sites, as well as enhancing its brand presence. This included the opening of Villeroy & Boch World and an outlet in Mettlach, Germany, along with updates to company-owned retail shops.

Dividend Proposal

The Supervisory and Management Boards propose a dividend of €0.85 per ordinary share and €0.90 per preference share, to be discussed at the Annual General Meeting on 9 May 2025.

Outlook for 2025

Looking ahead, Villeroy & Boch forecasts high single-digit percentage growth in consolidated revenue for 2025, with a moderate increase in operating EBIT. The rolling return on net operating assets is expected to remain stable.

IAPMO® has joined the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) as an affiliate member, strengthening its commitment to water efficiency, product safety, and industry collaboration. This partnership combines IAPMO’s global expertise in plumbing codes, standards development, and product certification with the BMA’s leadership in advancing the bathroom sector in the UK and beyond.

IAPMO has long been a global leader in protecting public health and safety through comprehensive codes and standards development, product testing and certification, personnel training, and industry research. As an affiliate member of the BMA, IAPMO will contribute its wealth of knowledge to help advance the association’s key initiatives, particularly in addressing sustainability challenges and regulatory advancements.

Tom Reynolds, chief executive of the BMA, welcomed IAPMO to the association, recognising the valuable role it will play in advancing industry priorities. “IAPMO brings a deep well of technical expertise and a global perspective that will benefit our members and the broader industry.

“Their support for the Windsor Declaration demonstrates their commitment to tackling two of the most pressing global challenges we face: water scarcity and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Their contribution to this initiative will be instrumental in driving forward innovative solutions and best practices.”

The Windsor Declaration, a landmark initiative enacted by the BMA and key industry stakeholders, is focused on addressing water efficiency and combating antimicrobial resistance in plumbing systems. IAPMO’s participation reinforces the initiative’s global significance and strengthens the collective effort to find effective solutions.

Tom Palkon, executive vice president and chief Technical Services officer at IAPMO, emphasised the organisation’s objectives in joining the BMA: “Our affiliation with the BMA is an opportunity to continue collaborating with like-minded industry leaders in advancing sustainable solutions for water use and plumbing safety.

“We look forward to sharing our expertise in plumbing codes, certification, and product standards while gaining valuable insights from BMA members on the evolving regulatory landscape in the UK and Europe. Together, we can make meaningful progress in enhancing water efficiency, product safety, and public health protection.”

Comprised of more than 20 companies and maintaining a membership spanning 17 countries, IAPMO continues expanding its influence in international collaborations that drive positive industry change. As part of the BMA, IAPMO will work alongside leading bathroom manufacturers to help shape policies, improve standards, and drive innovation in the bathroom sector.

The Unified Water Label Association (UWLA) has welcomed a new MD following the announcement that Yvonne Orgill is to retire on 31 March 2025.

Lee Cartwright joins the UWLA on 10 March and will be visiting ISH in Frankfurt with Yvonne from 17-21 March to meet with members and supporters attending the show.

Lee says, “I am thrilled about this new role and looking forward to building on Yvonne’s legacy. During her time in the industry, Yvonne has become well-recognised as a strong leader and influencer, and I am passionate about driving forward continued growth and future success for the organisation.

“Over the next month, I’ll be working closely with Yvonne to ensure a smooth transition and to gain deeper insights into the role.”

Yvonne added, “I am delighted to welcome Lee into the UWLA and wish him every success. I know that under his leadership, the UWLA will benefit from new opportunities and an exciting next chapter.”

Lee will be speaking at The Unified Water Label Association (UWLA) press event at ISH on Tuesday, 18 March, in room 4/4.2 Brillanz, from 13.00 to 15.00.

The UWLA presentation is open to all ISH attendees; visit www.uwla.eu for details or email Vikki Hollins at Vikki.hollins@uwla.eu