Marazzi acquires Italian tile producer Emilceramica

The agreement for the 100% acquisition of Emilceramica by Marazzi (owned by the US giant Mohawk Industries since 2012) was signed on 20 January and is now only subject to approval from the Antitrust Authorities.

With a 2015 turnover of more than 150 million euros, an export share higher than 90% and two factories with around 500 employees in Italy, Emilceramica is one of the most important companies in the Sassuolo ceramic district and one of the top 10 Italian tile manufacturers in terms of turnover.

Established in 1961, the company has grown steadily over the years and completed a number of important acquisitions. Major investments in innovation together with the recent reorganisation plan have enabled the Emilceramica, Provenza, Viva and Ergon brands to reposition themselves in the high end of the market, and they are now present at more than 5,500 points of sale in 70 countries worldwide. Emilceramica is particularly active in the North American market, where it has 4 logistics centres with dedicated teams of staff.

This major new investment confirms the strong focus on Italian operations on the part of Mohawk Industries, world leader in the flooring sector with a 2015 turnover of more than US $8 billion, including $3 billion in the ceramic tile segment alone. Marazzi’s CEO Mauro Vandini commented: “Three years ago we embarked on a process of growth and large-scale investment in the ceramic district alongside Mohawk, an operation that we believe will enable our group to strengthen its leadership position and capacity for innovation in the ceramic sector.”

Emilceramica’s CEO Sergio Sassi agreed: “Becoming part of a larger and highly internationalised group is certainly the best way of guaranteeing our company’s future development. Marazzi sees Emilceramica as a valuable business that fits in perfectly with its own industrial and commercial strategies. Our team is ready and proud to become part of what is now undoubtedly the number one group in the world and to continue the growth strategy we have successfully pursued in recent years.”