Franke Group takes over the Swiss Wesco Group, which manufactures high-end kitchen range hoods and air treatment systems in Switzerland and Germany. The agreement to acquire 100 percent of the Wesco Group will enable Franke to further expand its expertise in air quality treatment and strengthen its presence in the Swiss and German markets. The closing of the transaction remains subject to the approval of the relevant competition authorities, and the financial details of the transaction will not be disclosed.

Wesco Group: synonymous with quality and innovation

The Wesco Group combines considerable expertise in ventilation and design and stands for quality, efficiency and innovation.

Founded in 1962 and headquartered in Wettingen, Switzerland, it includes Wesco AG, a company specializing in fume hoods and ventilation systems for kitchens, homes, offices, and schools, and the German company berbel Ablufttechnik GmbH, a market leader in fume hoods and cooktop extractors in Germany. In particular, the berbel brand is recognized in Germany for its unique technical solutions, manufacturing excellence and design. In fiscal year 2022/2023, the Wesco Group generated net sales of 97 million Swiss francs, employing a total of 280 people.

Life's work in good hands

The Wesco Group will now become part of Franke Home Solutions, the division of the Franke Group that specializes in providing intelligent systems and solutions for home kitchens, strengthening its offering both geographically and strategically.

“The acquisition of Wesco,” said Barbara Borra, President/CEO of Franke Home Solutions, ”is an ideal strategic choice for us. Franke will benefit from new, more advanced home air quality treatment technologies and established sales organizations in Switzerland and Germany. By leveraging Franke's global scale and financial strength, we can support Wesco's growth both in its traditional markets and internationally. With Wesco, Franke shares values such as technology, quality and innovation.”

Beat Ernst, owner of the Wesco Group, for his part explained his choice as follows, “As part of a succession plan, I decided to sell my company to Franke. Since we did not identify any succession possibilities within the family, it was crucial for me to find a sustainable solution that would allow me to hand over our life's work in good hands. Franke has the expertise and resources to harness the full potential of our brands and position them in the market even more efficiently.”

In the opening photo, a built-in hood from Wesco