The absorption of the newly acquired Hutschenreuther line of German porcelain into Waterford Wedgwood PLC“s already significant stable of luxury brands has solidified Waterford Wedgwood“s position a…
The absorption of the newly acquired Hutschenreuther line of German porcelain into Waterford Wedgwood PLC“s already significant stable of luxury brands has solidified Waterford Wedgwood“s position as one of the leading tabletop manufactuers in the world. By scooping up the high-end Hutschenreuther name – one of the best known in Germany – and incorporating it into its Rosenthal division, Waterford Wedgwood scores on several fronts: The company“s profits improve, Rosenthal“s factories in Germany realize increased production capacities, and the company gains critical mass with a major share of the German ceramic market. The acquisition also furthers Waterford Wedgwood“s strategy of adding more lifestyle brands to its portfolio and improves its ceramics division“s profitability. The company generates roughly US$ 900 million in annual sales worldwide through its four brands: Waterford, Wedgwood, Rosenthal and All-Clad. “All in all, it“s a pretty good deal for us,” said Richard A. Barnes, group finance director of Waterford Wedgwood PLC. “We will fully integrate the brand into the Rosenthal group, but it will retain its brand identity. We do that with all the brands we acquire.”