American Standard Brands Announces Nationwide Distribution Partnership With Ferguson Enterprises

PISCATAWAY, N.J., Oct. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- American Standard Brands ("American Standard"), a leading North American manufacturer of a wide range of high quality kitchen and bath products, today announced a major new distribution agreement that will significantly increase its market presence in the United States. Ferguson Enterprises ("Ferguson"), the largest wholesale distributor of residential and commercial plumbing supplies and pipe, valves and fittings in the U.S., will become an authorized American Standard wholesaler as of January 1, 2014. Ferguson will supply American Standard in its showrooms and branch locations, including sinks, tubs, toilets, faucets and other high-quality kitchen and bath products in the American Standard portfolio of brands.

Following closely on the acquisition of American Standard by LIXIL Corp. in June, this announcement marks another important step in American Standard's strategic growth. The addition of Ferguson will significantly expand American Standard's penetration in the wholesale market, including presence in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean and Mexico. The partnership exemplifies the Company's holistic approach to serving the market, and will bring greater choice to wholesale customers nationwide.

"This partnership is key to American Standard's growth plan for North America and is an important element of the global expansion strategy of our new parent, LIXIL. Moreover, it represents a terrific opportunity for both us and Ferguson that will bring greater efficiencies through competition to the wholesale marketplace," said Jay Gould, American Standard Brands President and CEO. "The increased visibility of American Standard will benefit all of our customers by driving traffic to showrooms and counters across the country."  

This new partnership complements American Standard's relationship with Wolseley in Canada, where the companies have partnered for many years. Ferguson and Wolseley Canada are both owned by Wolseley plc. American Standard products will begin arriving in Ferguson showrooms and counters in the first quarter of 2014.

About American Standard
American Standard is a leading manufacturer of a wide range of high-quality kitchen and bath products that make life healthier, safer and more beautiful for residential and commercial customers in North America, Canada and Mexico. The company employs more than 5,000 people and markets products under the brand names of American Standard®, Jado®, Porcher®, Safety Tubs®, Crane Plumbing®, Eljer®, Fiat® and Decorative Panels International®. American Standard Brands is owned by Lixil Corporation (TSE Code 5938), a global building products company.
For more information about American Standard, visit:
www.americanstandard.com
twitter.com/AmStandard
www.facebook.com/AmericanStandardPlumbing

SOURCE American Standard Brands