Humidification specialist JS Humidifiers has been acquired by the Swiss climate and manufacturing technology group Walter Meier.
Following the recent acquisition of its distributor in Denmark, Walter Meier said the deal was a further contribution to its development strategy of direct involvement in important markets.

CEO Silvan Meier said: 'For us, acquiring the established market leader in the UK is the most effective means of developing the key British market successfully. We have always known that JS held the key to us becoming better established in the British humidification sector. We are now absolutely delighted that we will be pursuing a common future.'

Walter Meier is also hoping for further benefits from collaborating in the export business; JS is said to be successful in exporting to India, for instance.

JS Humidifiers was established in 1980. In 2010, it achieved sales of £8 million and employed just under 60 employees, all of whom will be kept on. The current management team will continue to be responsible for running JS. Its headquarters and manufacturing centre will remain in Rustington, West Sussex.

JS managing director Stephen Verney said: 'Links with Walter Meier go back many years and we're looking forward to the opportunities that being part of a global group will bring. There is considerable synergy between our two businesses and the sharing of expertise will be of great benefit to our customers.'