Zwilling JA Henckels To Buy Demeyere and Staub.

The German knife company, J.A. Henckels is in the process of buying Demeyere and Groupe Staub. The transaction is expected to be completed soon, subject to European regulatory approval. For J.A. Henckels, it is an opportunity to expand their reach in the culinary world.

“The market for cast-iron-enamel cookware is growing everywhere in the world and we are delighted to have this extension of our range. Staub is the perfect addition for the ZWILLING Group and will contribute to our further growth,” said Claus Holst- Gydesen, CEO of ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS AG.

For those unfamiliar with these companies, many, myself included, feel that Demeyere and Staub are leaders in their fields.

Demeyere cookware is some of the finest stainless steel cookware anywhere. Founded in 1908, Belgium cookware manufacturer Demeyere is a leading innovator for quality, stylish, and technologically advanced cookware. As a leader with induction cooking, Demeyere cookware works on all styles of stoves.

The Staub family business was launched as a cookware store in 1892 by Francis Staub’s grandfather Auguste Waldner in Alsace, France. Staub cookware is a leader in French cast iron cookware. Used by many professional chefs and using several technical achievements, Staub stands out as an innovator of quality enameled cast iron cookware. The special ceramic bottom also makes it possible for use on all types of heating surfaces. It is considered better than the other French cast iron cookware, Le Creuset.

Demeyere’s best cookware lines are better than All-Clad, IMAO, and posses an unrivaled match in performance and design. Of special note here is that Viking cookware is made by Demeyere, using specifications set forth by Viking.

There is no expectation here that quality will suffer for either company.

For the North American consumer, this is a transaction to keep ones eye on for the future. It is my understanding that the management and leadership teams of each of these companies are to remain in place for some time to ease transition and ensure continued quality.

In looking at acquisitions like this, we can look to the recent past and see hope. Not long ago, the Hershey Company purchased Scharffen-Berger chocolates and have kept it safe in a separate division. When Whirpool acquired KitchenAid, it did likewise.

Time will tell.