Aquael has taken over Diversa. What is the story behind the transaction?
Janusz Jankiewicz: On 1 March this year, Aquaszut, a portfolio company of ours, bought 100 per cent of Diversa's assets, and then changed its name to Diversa. Bogumiła and Janusz Jankiewicz remain on the board.
What was the purpose of the transaction and has it been achieved?
Janusz Jankiewicz: Yes, we have bought a prosperous company with a significant market share, especially in Poland, the Czech Republic and Germany. An important factor in making a purchase decision was the fact that the product offerings of Aquael and Diversa complement each other quite well. Compared with Aquael, Diversa has a fairly wide terrarium range and it also manufactures pet beds. That has made our offering much more comprehensive.
Following the acquisition of Diversa, production is based in two production plants?
Janusz Jankiewicz: Aquael's basic production plant is located in Suwałki. The Diversa plant in Prudnik is going to continue production and we intend to contribute extra capital to it.
Will the Diversa brand remain on the market?
Janusz Jankiewicz: It will. However, it will be positioned in such a way as not to compete with products branded by Aquael. Over time, we are going to develop the offering of Diversa. Aquael has a professional research and development division and Diversa will be able to make full use of it.
We have observed that Polish aquarium companies are launching operations in more and more pet market areas, including the pet food segment. Does the takeover of Diversa mean that Aquael intends to focus on aquarium products?
Aquatics in the spotlight in Telford
The new Aquatics Zone – a dedicated hall for aquatics, reptile and aquatic horticulture exhibitors – will be one of the highlights of the …
Bogumiła Jankiewicz: Aquatics is the basic activity of the Diversa company, as is the case for Aquael, but we are not returning to specialisation in aquarium supplies only. The development plans for both Aquael and Diversa assume expanding the offering in all segments of activity. But all this will come in good time. We are indeed currently focusing on our original speciality: aquarium technology. We presented a lot of new products at Interzoo. Some people claimed that we were a leader among aquarium companies. We showed two lines of brand new canister filters, two lines of new-generation heaters and an innovative breakage-resistant aquarium. Visitors to…