Planned merger of water drainage specialist BIRCO with the ACO group

ACO Severin Ahlmann GmbH & Co KG has become a partner in BIRCO GmbH, taking over 100% of the shares.

An expert in surface water drainage technology and a manufacturer of drainage products, BIRCO has been developing and designing innovative products for the building materials market for over 90 years. Like the ACO Group, BIRCO is also a family business, already in its third generation.

In addition, there are many other aspects that the two companies have in common and that will be preserved after the proposed merger, such as loyalty to building materials stockists as a key element of the success of both companies' business models. Both BIRCO and the ACO Group have always adopted a partnership- and service-oriented approach to their customers and offer their target groups direct and rapid access to their field and office service teams. All business activities of both companies will be continued under their respective strong and recognized brands, with a focus on meeting the needs of all customers. ACO and BIRCO thus share fundamental corporate values.

With the merger, BIRCO is entrusting its destiny to an experienced and trustworthy partner. Its long-standing corporate culture and customer focus will be preserved and continued as an important part of the ACO Group.

Thomas Bendixen, Managing Director of ACO Severin Ahlmann GmbH & Co KG, and Francesco Vitale, Managing Director of ACO Tiefbau Vertrieb GmbH, said: "By combining our expertise, we will be able to offer our existing ACO customers and new BIRCO customers in the building materials trading, construction and urban planning sectors an even broader product range and more customized system solutions from a single source. This will undoubtedly have an impact, for example, on the rainwater management sector."

We therefore look forward to a successful merger and excellent cooperation with our colleagues at BIRCO as soon-to-be new members of the ACO Group family!”

And Frank Wagner, President of BIRCO GmbH, adds: "I am pleased to have won a partner for BIRCO with the ACO Group that shares and perpetuates the values and traditions of our family business. In searching for this partner and after more than 34 years with BIRCO, it was particularly important to me to preserve the BIRCO brand, its production site in Baden-Baden and its logistics center in Sinzheim.

"The global scope of the ACO Group's activities opens up completely new perspectives for our employees. In conclusion, I know BIRCO will be in good hands in the future as well! Overall, this merger offers fantastic opportunities for both partners, which will also benefit our customers in the trading, construction, and urban planning sectors."

With his extensive experience at BIRCO, Frank Wagner will continue to serve BIRCO and the ACO Group as an advisor beyond the merger. BIRCO's long-time Managing Director, Christian Merkel, will continue to serve at BIRCO GmbH in Baden-Baden.