Insulation industry news from Global Insulation

Sweden: Ireland-based Kingspan has raised its stake in Nordic Waterproofing to 35.7%, after the company's board and most shareholders rejected a takeover bid by the group. The Irish Times newspaper has reported that some Nordic Waterproofing shareholders accepted the offer, against the company’s recommendation. Following the conclusion of the offer period on 27 March 2024, Kingspan decided not to extend it.

Ireland: Kingspan has contested the European Commission (EC)'s preliminary findings from its investigation of the company’s abandoned attempt to acquire Slovenia-based Trimo in 2021. The Commission preliminarily found that Kingspan negligently or intentionally provided incorrect, incomplete and misleading information during the merger review. The relevant information reportedly pertained to Kingspan’s internal organisation, market scope, barriers to entry and expansion and competition closeness with Trimo. The Irish Independent newspaper has reported that applicable fines may be up to 1% of Kingspan’s annual global turnover.

Kingspan disputed the preliminary findings and will now formulate a response. In a statement, the company said “Kingspan has fully co-operated with the commission throughout the period relating to the Trimo process, which commenced in September 2020, continued until Kingspan withdrew from the process in April 2022, and was followed by the EC's investigation, which opened in November 2022. This Trimo application was unusual and uniquely onerous given both the level of information sought and the fact that the process occurred during the Covid-19 outbreak. It is in no way representative of the long and productive relationship Kingspan has with the EC. Since the Trimo process began in 2020, Kingspan has secured four successful clearances, supporting investments by Kingspan in energy-efficient and low-carbon buildings that are essential to the EC's green transition."

Ireland: Kingspan’s sales declined by 3% to Euro8.09bn in 2023 from Euro8.34bn in 2022. Its insulation sales fell by 8% and its insulated panels sales by 9%. Meanwhile, roofing and waterproofing sales grew to reach Euro500m. The group’s profit after tax rose by 6% to Euro654m from Euro616m. It invested Euro248m in new acquisitions throughout the year. Kingspan plans to invest Euro750m up to 2028 in order to capture 15% of the flat roofing market in North America.

CEO Gene Murtagh "Beyond insulation, each of our climate-focussed business units across roofing and waterproofing, light, air and water and data and flooring are scaling at pace with every potential for each to exceed Euro1bn divisional revenue over the coming years.” Murtagh added “Given our robust balance sheet, strong development pipeline, strong structural demand for energy efficiency and the ever increasing and obvious impacts of climate change, we expect 2024 to be a year of continuing strategic and operational progress for Kingspan.”

Germany: Ireland-based Kingspan completed its acquisition of flexible wood fibre insulation producer Steico for Euro250m on 5 January 2024. Alliance News has reported that Kingspan issued shares to former Steico owner, Austria-based Schramek, following its completion of the deal.

New Zealand: The Commerce Commission has allowed Kingspan to proceed with its acquisition of Conqueror. The commission said that the Ireland-based group will ‘not substantially lessen’ competition in New Zealand when it completes the acquisition. This is due to the market shares belonging to competitors Bondor and Metalcraft, of which the latter plans to open a new plant in Hamilton, Waikato in 2024.

Germany: EU competition authorities have approved Ireland-based Kingspan’s acquisition of a 51% majority stake in wood fibre insulation producer Steico. Kingspan concluded the deal with wood products company Schramek in July 2023, and expects to complete its acquisition of the stake in early January 2024.

Ireland: Kingspan expects its trading profit to amount to Euro875m throughout 2023, up by 5% year-on-year from Euro833m. The group noted a stable global backlog of orders. Nonetheless, its visibility remains low, amid challenges in ‘a number of end markets.’

Ireland: Kingspan reported sales of Euro6.14bn during the first nine months of 2023, down by 1.8% year-on-year. During the period, its insulation sales fell by 7%, while its insulated panels sales rose by 10%. Insulated panels recorded single-digit volumes growth across all regions during the third quarter of the year. Kingspan expects to deliver a full-year trading profit greater than in 2022.

New Zealand: Ireland-based Kingspan has applied for clearance to acquire polyisocyanurate (PIR) insulation producer Conqueror. Conqueror operates the Christchurch insulation plant in Canterbury. Kingspan already supplies PIR foam core material to the plant. After the planned acquisition, Conqueror will retain its wholesale insulation distribution business.

Sweden: Ireland-based Kingspan has made a mandatory cash offer for the outstanding 69% of shares in Nordic Waterproofing, the Irish Times newspaper has reported. Kingspan previously raised its stake in the waterproofing products and services company to 31% on 13 September 2023.