Shower enclosure manufacturer Aqata has been acquired by AQ Group, which also owns the Aqualux brand.

Established over 30 years ago by engineer Peter Brown, the family-run Aqata business is based in Hinckley, Leicestershire and supplies bathroom showrooms, luxury housebuilders, hotels, yachts and leisure complexes.

It joins a stable which includes Aqualux, which was acquired from Dutch bathroom manufacturer Fetim in 2019, and online hardware brand Ironmongery and More.

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Commenting on the acquisition Group CEO Steve Lee stated: “We are delighted to be able to take this bold, strategic move during such unprecedented times.

“Aqata has been part of the fabric of the British shower industry since it was established by Peter Brown in 1986.

“We are proud to have the opportunity to continue the great work of MD and owner Jayne Barnes who headed up Aqata for over 15 years following her father’s retirement in 2005.”

Steve Lee continued: “For many years we have admired what the Aqata brand represents to the independent bathroom retail market, the products are excellent and back by a world-class service.

“The position of the brand perfectly complements Aqualux, which has been synonymous with the large-scale merchants and retailers for over 40 years.”

Lee continued: “Aqata shower enclosures are British-designed and hand-crafted in its modern factory in Leicestershire.

“Whilst 2020 has seen major changes and uncertainty for the UK  following Brexit and COVID-19, this acquisition offers great flexibility for our customers: a British manufacturing facility combined with the long established, global sourcing model of Aqualux.

“This will ensure we can continue to provide a dynamic, speed-to-market offering with competitive pricing; all backed by a market-leading service and significant inventory throughout our supply chain.”

The AQ Group is backed by Midlands-based investment partner Intrinsic Equity.