Geberit AG - History 1997-2004

> 1874 - 1944 First years - first innovations > 1945 - 1969 A new age - plastic's victorious march > 1970 - 1996 Unstoppable climb to market leadership > 1997 - 2004 From a family-run business to a public company > 2005 - 2009 Geberit - positioning as an international Group

1997
The family shareholders sell the company to the British investment company Doughty Hanson & Co. The Group Executive Board, together with other executive managers, acquires an interest in the company and in this way preserves the operational independence of the Geberit Group.

The implementation of “innovation process development” (IPD) prescribes uniform and binding procedures for all Geberit R&D activities. In the same year, the building technology and acoustics laboratory in Jona is completed.

In Slovenia, Prosan is acquired, a company that produces concealed cisterns and interior fittings for ceramic cisterns.

1998
For the first time, Geberit Group sales surpass one billion Swiss francs. The company begins preparations for a listing on the stock exchange.

IPO with G. F. Kelm and A. Hunziker-Ebneter

1999
Geberit acquires British Caradon Terrain in Aylesford, GB, thereby substantially expanding its position in Great Britain.

In the 125th year of its existence, Geberit successfully goes public. At the same time, it introduces an attractive employee participation plan.

GIZ Jona CH

2000
Opening of the new Geberit information center in Jona.

2002
Geberit acquires an interest in the Austrian company Huter Vorfertigung GmbH.
In July, Geberit expands in the USA and acquires all shares of the Chicago Faucet Company headquartered in Des Plaines, Illinois. In November, it also acquires WC Technology Corporation in Farmington Hills, Michigan.

2003
The two Geberit subsidiaries in the Czech Republic and Hungary celebrate their 10-year anniversary.

Geberit opens its official representative office in Moscow, Geberit International AG Moscow.

2004
Geberit acquires Mapress Holding GmbH in Langenfeld, Germany, for EUR 372.5 million.The Mapress Group is a pioneer and one of the leading European providers in the area of high-quality metal press fitting pipe and drainage solutions made of stainless steel, carbon steel and copper for a broad variety of applications. The main areas of application are water supply and heating for residential buildings, building drainage, fire sprinkler systems, gas distribution, industrial applications as well as marine.
Geberit is now a company with sales of approx. 1.8 billion Swiss Francs and 5,300 employees.

Günter F. Kelm announced his resignation from the position of CEO as of the year-end. Albert M. Baehny will be the new head of the Geberit Group from 1 January 2005.

A distribution company is established in Mexico.

Geberit acquires a 100% stake in Huter of Austria.

< 1970 - 1996

2005 - 2009 >