Karcher acquires American pressure washer manufacturer C-Tech Industries Karcher consolidates market position in the U.S. WINNENDEN, Germany, and CAMAS, Washington, March 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Karcher, the world's leading manufacturer of cleaning equipment, has strengthened its commitment in the United States by acquiring C-Tech Industries, the American market leader in professional pressure washers which is based in Camas (Washington), from Harbour Group Limited. The agreement was signed yesterday. Following a thorough market analysis, Karcher has found what it considers to be the best possible partner for further development of the American market - a market in which the company sees enormous growth potential. C-Tech possesses an excellent, pan-American dealer network and has a product line that ideally complements that of the German company. There is also a high degree of harmony between the company cultures. C-Tech will continue to be run as an independent company and its major brands will be retained. Hartmut Jenner, spokesman for Karcher's board of management stated, "In taking this strategic decision we have made an important step forward in the globalization of our business and secured long-term growth for our company." C-Tech was formed by a merger of several cleaning equipment makers beginning in 1997 and achieved revenues of US$96 million in its last fiscal year with about 470 employees. The company unites twelve brands under its roof, including such well-known brands as Hotsy, Landa, Cuda, Spraymart and Shark. C-Tech produces hot and cold water pressure washers, parts washers, waste water treatment systems, cleaning detergents and high-pressure pumps. Its six locations are situated in the United States and Italy. Alfred Karcher GmbH & Co. KG was founded in 1935 and has remained a family-owned company with its headquarters in Winnenden, near Stuttgart, Germany. It specializes in the distribution, development and production of cleaning equipment for private and professional use. In addition to pressure washers, the product portfolio includes wet/dry blasting systems, vacuums, steam cleaners, floor sweepers, floor scrubbers, car and truck wash systems, cleaning detergents, drinking water systems and waste water treatment systems. With a workforce of 5,400 in 36 countries, the company achieved revenues of over 1.2 billion US$ last year and manufactured close to 5 million machines in its eight production facilities located in Germany, Italy, the U.S. and Brazil. DATASOURCE: Karcher CONTACT: Alfred Karcher, GmbH & Co. KG, Frank Schad, Press Spokesman, Alfred-Karcher-Str. 28 - 40, 71364 Winnenden, Germany, Tel.: 011-49-7195-14-2684, Fax: 011-49-7195-14-2193, Email: ; This press release is also available on our web site: http://www.karcher.com/press, user: PR, password: karcherpress

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