BRG Building Solutions releases its latest Tier 3 European market reports, covering 14 countries and forecasting market developments through 2030. The new reports complement the Tier 1 country studies released earlier this year and further strengthen BRG Building Solutions' coverage of the European bathroom and kitchen sector. The latest edition covers Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Switzerland and

FM Mattsson Group Acquires UK Brassware Supplier Bristan UK: FM Mattsson Group has agreed to acquire UK brassware supplier Bristan Group Limited from Masco for GBP 49 million (USD 66.4 million). Bristan Group, which includes the Bristan and Heritage Bathrooms brands, employs around 280 people and reported revenue of GBP 63 million (USD 85.4 million). Following completion of the transaction, Bristan will continue operating as a separate brand-led business under its existing ma

bathroom INDIA: Carysil Group has expanded its retail presence with the launch of new Carysil and Sternhagen stores in Hyderabad, reinforcing its position in one of India’s fastest-growing residential markets. The new retail destination brings the company’s kitchen and bath brands together under a single roof, creating a dedicated space for homeowners, architects and interior designers to explore solutions that combine design, craftsmanship and innovation. The Hyderabad expan

Bathroom Specialist JTP Recruits 75 New Independent Bathroom Showrooms in H1 2026 UK: Bathroom specialist JTP recruited 75 new independent bathroom showrooms during the first half of 2026, reflecting the continued popularity of its established collections and strong market reception to new products and contemporary finishes launched earlier this year. During H1 2026, the company also strengthened its support for independent retail partners through investment in stock and dist

SCGD and Axent Switzerland AG Form Joint Venture to Produce Smart Sanitaryware in ASEAN Thailand: SCGD announced that its subsidiary, Siam Sanitaryware (SSW), has formed a joint venture with Axent Switzerland AG, with SSW holding a 51% stake and Axent 49%, supported by a registered capital and total investment of approximately USD 2.5 million (THB 80 million). The new venture will manufacture and assemble smart and tankless sanitaryware with an annual production capacity of 9

SANIPEX GROUP Partners with Slimstock to Enhance Inventory Planning Across the UAE and GCC UAE: SANIPEX GROUP has partnered with Slimstock to enhance inventory planning across the UAE and wider GCC, supporting its continued growth as a luxury bathroom and sanitaryware distributor. Through the implementation of Slim4, the company will automate replenishment planning, improve supply chain visibility across its distribution centre and 12 showrooms, and optimise inventory managem

French Sanitary Taps Exports FRANCE: French exports of sanitary taps and fittings increased by 26.7% between 2023 and 2025, driven mainly by strong growth in bathroom taps and mixers. Bathroom taps accounted for around 71% of total sanitary tap exports in 2025, with Germany and Spain emerging as the largest export markets, followed by Belgium, Italy, Portugal and the UK. Exports to Morocco also increased, while shipments to the United States declined significantly despite its

Bathroom ITALY: Nearly two years after the Villeroy & Boch Group acquired Ideal Standard, the integration has reached a significant milestone with the launch of the first jointly developed product collections. The acquisition has broadened Villeroy & Boch’s product portfolio by adding fittings and shower systems, categories that were previously absent from its offering. In the Italian market, the group follows a dual-brand strategy with clearly differentiated positioning. Ide

Villeroy & Boch Receives SBTi Validation for Climate Targets Germany: Villeroy & Boch announced that its long-term climate targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), confirming that the company's decarbonisation strategy is aligned with the Paris Agreement and the objective of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. The company aims to reduce direct CO₂ emissions from its operations by 45% and indirect supply chain emissions by 25% by 2030, compared

RAK Ceramics Bangladesh Appoints Mohammod Khourshed Alam as CEO Bangladesh: RAK Ceramics (Bangladesh) Limited has appointed Mohammod Khourshed Alam as Chief Executive Officer, effective 15 July. The company stated that he brings experience in business strategy, commercial operations, organisational development and corporate management. The appointment is intended to support the company's strategic growth initiatives across its ceramic and porcelain tiles, sanitaryware, faucet

Goodwill Ceramics Seeks Talks Over Kenya's Ceramic Import Duty Tanzania: Goodwill (Tanzania) Ceramics has called on the Tanzanian government and the East African Community (EAC) to engage with Kenya following the introduction of a 5% excise duty on imported ceramic tiles and sanitaryware under Kenya's Finance Act 2026. The company stated that the revised tax regime could increase export costs, affect regional supply chains and create uncertainty for manufacturers trading with

Airflow Partners with Ideal Bathrooms for UK Distribution UK: Airflow has entered into a distribution partnership with Ideal Bathrooms to expand the availability of its ventilation products across the UK. Under the agreement, Ideal Bathrooms will stock and distribute selected Airflow ventilation systems, duct kits and installation accessories through its nationwide showroom network, allowing customers to source ventilation products alongside bathroom products from a single su

Hansgrohe Expands Wash Portfolio in India with Launch of Avalegra India: Hansgrohe has expanded its Wash portfolio in India with the launch of Avalegra in Mumbai, showcased at its channel partner outlet C B Xclusive, as part of its strategy to strengthen its consumer-facing retail presence and premium positioning. Avalegra introduces an integrated Washplace concept that combines the wash basin and faucet into a single solution, featuring a parabolic spray integrated into the

Sandro Bonomi Appointed President of CEIR to Strengthen European Taps and Valves Industry Europe: Sandro Bonomi has been appointed President of CEIR-Taps & Valves Europe at the CEIR Congress 2026, held in Brussels, Belgium, from 8–10 June, with a mandate to strengthen the federation’s role in the European political and industrial landscape. Bonomi, who also serves as President of AVR-Italian Association of Valve and Faucet Manufacturers, represents an industry that recorded U

Taiwanese Ceramics Manufacturers HCG Enters Defense Market With Advanced Drone Materials TAIWAN: Taiwanese bathroom ceramics manufacturer Hocheng Corp. (HCG) is expanding beyond its traditional sanitary ware business into defense by leveraging its expertise in advanced ceramics. The company has developed lightweight ceramic-carbon fiber composite materials for drones, unmanned surface vessels, and armored vehicle protection, with products verified for defense use by Taiwan’s

Sloan Acquires Controlling Stake in Essel Bath Fittings India: Sloan, a plumbing systems manufacturer based in Illinois, has acquired a controlling stake in Essel Bath Fittings as part of its expansion strategy in India's bath fittings market. The companies did not disclose the financial terms of the transaction. Sloan stated that the investment supports its strategy in India by expanding its local manufacturing footprint and strengthening its presence through Essel Bath Fitt

Store UK: VitrA has announced the launch of five new Experience Centres across the UK in 2026, reinforcing its commitment to expanding its retail footprint and strengthening partnerships with independent retailers. The first showroom, located at AS Fenner in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, opened on 29 June and showcases VitrA's comprehensive portfolio in lifestyle bathroom settings, allowing customers to experience its latest collections and design-led solutions firsthand. The r

Bathroom SPAIN: Ballingslöv International has acquired KBV, one of Spain’s leading manufacturers of kitchen, bathroom and storage solutions, from private equity firm ABAC. The acquisition supports Ballingslöv International’s strategy to expand its European footprint and reinforce its decentralized multi-brand platform. With annual revenues of approximately €55 million, KBV holds a strong position in the Spanish market and has an established international presence across the U

Home Depot Strengthens Position as a Key Player in the US Home Improvement Market USA: Home Depot continues to strengthen its position as one of North America's leading home improvement retailers, benefiting from demand for housing repair, renovation and maintenance projects. The company serves both professional contractors and do-it-yourself customers through its extensive store network and integrated omnichannel platform, offering in-store shopping, online ordering and home

Frontline Bathrooms Reports 52% Growth in New Trade Accounts Following AQUA Brand Investment UK: Frontline Bathrooms reported a 52% increase in new trade accounts, with sales from those accounts rising 28%, driven by continued investment in its AQUA bathroom brand through a refreshed brand position, new products, an updated brochure and enhanced trade support. The company also recorded a 15% year-on-year sales increase, equivalent to approximately EUR 578,000 (USD 680,000), i