Schulthess, a leading provider in the commercial and industrial laundry equipment sector, has acquired Armstrong France, a prominent French importer and distributor of professional laundry machinery, for an undisclosed amount. This strategic acquisition signifies Schulthess's expansion and aims to strengthen its position within the competitive European market.
Armstrong France operates across four distinct yet complementary sectors, establishing itself as a key player in the French professional laundry landscape. Its "WASH'N DRY" concept leads the self-service laundromat market in France, with over 800 installations. The company also developed "Aqua blue" for ecological dry cleaning solutions and implements residential automatic laundromats in various settings, including multi-dwelling units, university residences, and holiday villages. Additionally, Armstrong France supplies high-quality equipment to the community sector, serving clients in industries such as healthcare, hospitality, and marine. The company imports leading global brands of washing machines, dryers, and finishing equipment, complemented by comprehensive after-sales service.
The acquisition of Armstrong France is strategic for Schulthess, providing immediate access to Armstrong France's extensive distribution network and established customer base across diverse market segments in France. Schulthess stands to benefit from Armstrong France's specialized expertise in self-service, residential, and ecological dry cleaning solutions, alongside its robust presence in the broader community sector. This integration is expected to create significant synergies by combining Schulthess’s product offerings with Armstrong France’s market penetration and localized service capabilities.
This transaction is a clear corporate acquisition, with Schulthess buying out Armstrong France, rather than an investment round. The combined entity is poised to offer a more comprehensive and integrated range of professional laundry solutions, enhancing service delivery and expanding market share. This move positions the unified operation for continued growth and innovation within the evolving commercial laundry and dry-cleaning industry.