Latium Purchases Zenith and Staybright

Dear Richard

As we enter another New Year, there may be an air of gloom in some quarters of the industry, but it’s important we don’t talk ourselves into apathy and inactivity and make the market more difficult than it is. The industry has the skills and products, the people and resources to make a success of things, but they are unevenly distributed as a result of past decisions, performance and investment. The market may be weak, but not everyone is struggling. We spent a lot of time and effort getting our products, service and support right for fabricators and developing a clear vision of the market and where we wanted to be. As a result, while it is accepted that the market declined in 2007, our top 25 customers collectively grew 13.9% on a like-for-like basis. They had what they needed to grow while their competitors lost ground.

The news yesterday that Latium, the ultimate owner of Spectus, purchased the Zenith and Staybright brands reflects a further commitment to the industry by one of its major investors. The acquisition of the sales structure includes 20 showrooms and 6 installation branches and covers about 65% of Zenith and Staybright sales areas. Latium strategy is based on the belief that vibrant national brands are essential in maintaining and generating future interest and awareness at all levels of our industry.

It is important that as an industry we continue to believe in the prospects for the industry, as this investment in the Zenith brand demonstrates. Belief underpins investment in new products, service and support, and it underpins the commitment and confidence to accept the necessary change that makes growth and success possible. We believe the prospects are bright for the industry.

Yours sincerely

Sam Kennedy
Managing Director
Spectus Window Systems