DBJ Acquires the Shares of GROHE Group S.à r.l.Through Joint Investment with LIXIL Corporation

Development Bank of Japan Inc. (DBJ ; President and Chief Executive Officer : Toru Hashimoto) and LIXIL Corporation (LIXIL ; President and CEO : Yoshiaki Fujimori), of Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, on January 21, 2014 acquired 87.5% of the shares of Luxembourg-based GROHE Group S.à r.l.(GROHE)* from Glacier Luxembourg One S.à r.l. also based in Luxembourg. The deal was completed through a special-purpose company whose voting rights are held equally by DBJ and LIXIL.

The LIXIL Group is the largest housing and building materials company in Japan with a vast and unique business portfolio. It is a leader in eight market categories such as, exteriors, housing sashes and doors, curtain walls and sanitary ware.
LIXIL has been active in strategic acquisitions and partnerships to accelerate its growth in foreign markets and currently operates in more than 30 countries through various brands offering a broad lineup of products and services. Permasteelisa, Gartner and Shanghai Meite, for example, spearhead its project business (building materials and curtain walls), while LIXIL, American Standard Asia Pacific, Inax and Tostem are power players that feature an impressive brand portfolio including kitchen units, bathroom fixtures, windows and doors.

By taking part in this joint investment, DBJ is doing more than making a financial contribution. It is also making available its expertise, talent, information networks, and other resources developed both at home and overseas. DBJ believes its participation will be significant in helping to promote LIXIL’s global development and enhance the corporate value as a whole.

* With a workforce of 9,000 and business outlets located across the globe, GROHE, along with its indirect subsidiary Joyou AG, is the world’s leading manufacturer and supplier of sanitary fittings. Its products are sold in various price ranges under the brands GROHE®, GROHE Professional®, GROHE SPA®, and JOYOU®.
Reference: Our press release of September 26, 2013, DBJ and LIXIL Corporation to Acquire the Shares of Grohe Group S.à r.l. through Joint Investment, is available at http://www.dbj.jp/en/topics/dbj_news/2013/html/0000014512.html

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