Conclusion of Share Purchase Agreement Concerning Acquisition of All Shares in Bluclad S.p.A., an Italian-based Electroplating Solution Development and Sales Company
October 01, 2025
YKK Holding Europe B.V. (Head Office: Netherlands; Managing Director: Takanori Yoshida) announces that it has concluded a share purchase agreement to acquire all issued shares of Bluclad S.p.A. (hereinafter referred to as ‘Bluclad’), an Italian company engaged in the development and sale of electroplating solutions which, once completed, will make it a subsidiary. Through this acquisition, YKK Group’s Fastening Business will integrate with Bluclad to offer fastening products with high-quality plating, particularly for the luxury segment, and further enhance its value proposition in the global market. There will be no changes to Bluclad's products or services. Bluclad will remain committed to providing their customers with the same high-quality products and services as before under their brand “Bluclad”.
1. Purpose of the Acquisition
By incorporating Bluclad’s plating solution development technology, a key technical area supporting the YKK Group Fastening Business, YKK will strengthen its existing plating processing capabilities. This will enhance the value proposition to customers through plating processing and further promote the reduction of environmental impact through fastening products.
Under the 7th Mid-Term Business Plan launched in April 2025, YKK Group’s Fastening Business has adopted the policy: ONE YKK - Evolving into a Company that Creates Inspiring Experiences for Customers, Employees, and Society -’ Key priorities include ‘Sustainability Initiatives’ and ‘Exciting Product Proposals’. Bluclad possesses high technical capabilities and a proven track record in developing and manufacturing high-grade plating solutions for the European luxury sector.
Its commitment to quality and its continuous pursuit of new initiatives, including sustainability, align closely with YKK Group Fastening Business's priorities. Consequently, as part of strengthening these key initiatives, YKK Group Fastening Business has concluded this share purchase agreement to acquire Bluclad.
Upon completion of the acquisition, the YKK Group aims to enhance the technical capabilities of its Fastening Business. Furthermore, by leveraging its global network, YKK will work in unison with Bluclad to advance the latter's global business expansion, pursuing mutual growth.
2. Estimated Completion Date
December 2025
3. Overview of the Subsidiary Subject to Change (as of the end of August 2025)
- (1)Name: Bluclad S.p.A
- (2)Location: Florence, Italy
- (3)Capital: €5.3 million
- (4) Business Activities: Development and sale of electroplating solutions
- (5)Number of Employees: 58
For the transaction, YKK was assisted by Houlihan Lokey as financial advisor, with Mori Hamada & Matsumoto and BonelliErede providing legal advisory. PwC handled financial, tax, payroll, and environmental due diligence, and Mercer advised on HR matters. LBO France (Bluclad’s majority shareholder) and other Bluclad shareholders were advised by Ethica Group, with legal support from ADVANT Nctm, and Maisto e Associati overseeing tax matters.