Culligan to divest Billi Australia and Merquip

04/03/2022

Culligan files undertakings with Australia and New Zealand regulators to divest Billi Australia and Merquip as it seeks clearance for its global combination with Waterlogic

ROSEMONT, IL, USA – following its agreement to combine with Waterlogic Group Holdings (“Waterlogic”), a global designer, manufacturer, distributor and service provider of purified drinking water dispensers, Culligan International (“Culligan”), the innovative brand in consumer-focused sustainable water solutions and services, is filing for regulatory clearance in Australia and New Zealand.

The filings include proposed undertakings to divest Billi Australia and Merquip to address the competition issue from the overlap between the Billi and Zip businesses.

A new, committed and regulator-approved investor would allow the business to thrive and flourish independently under new ownership to the benefit of employees, distributors and customers.

Until the divestiture completes, Billi Australia and Merquip will continue to operate business as usual delivering exceptional service for customers, supporting their teams, and executing on 2022 operating plans as part of the Waterlogic Australasia region.

We anticipate the sale of Billi Australia to complete a short time after the close of the global combination of Waterlogic and Culligan, which is expected in the second half of 2022 subject to the receipt of regulatory approval and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. At the time of closing the Waterlogic-Culligan transaction, under the terms of the proposed undertakings, Billi Australia and Merquip will be held separate until the purchaser is approved by the regulators and the sale of those businesses completes, and will not become part of the combined Waterlogic-Culligan organisation.

ABOUT CULLIGAN INTERNATIONAL
Founded in 1936 and headquartered in Rosemont, Illinois, Culligan International is a world leader in delivering premium water services and solutions that improve the health and wellness of consumers. Committed to sustainable solutions, the company offers some of the most technologically advanced water filtration and treatment services and solutions available, including water softeners, drinking water systems, and whole-house systems for homeowners and bottleless coolers for businesses. Culligan’s network of dealers and direct operations is the largest in its industry, with more than 7,500 employees and 1,000 dealers in 90 countries. Culligan’s 35+ brands serve more than 50 million consumers every year and share a mission of bringing better water to consumers anywhere they need it – in the home, at work or on-the-go. For more information visit: www.corporate.culligan.com.

ABOUT WATERLOGIC
Waterlogic is an innovative designer, manufacturer, distributor and service provider of drinking water dispensers and accessories designed for environments such as offices, factories, hospitals, restaurants, hotels, schools and public spaces. From freestanding, countertop and integrated dispensers to high-volume hospitality solutions, water filling stations, fountains and boilers, every solution focuses on delivering the best quality water in the safest and most sustainable way. Waterlogic has its own subsidiaries in 23 countries. In addition, Waterlogic’s extensive independent global distribution network spans over 50 countries around the world in North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and South Africa. For more information visit: https://www.waterlogicaustralia.com.au/company/.

Media contact
Matthew Mahon at matthew@royce.com.au