Maurizio Sberna leaves Whirlpool

Maurizio David Sberna leaves the role of Senior Director Communications, CSR & Government Relations for Europe, Middle East, Africa of Whirlpool Corporation. With the de facto green light from the English Antitrust, Sberna’s work, which arrived in Whirlpool EMEA three years ago, has come to an end: the sale of Whirlpool’s European activities to the new majority-owned company of Arçelik no longer fears obstacles.

Currys: JD.com considers takeover bid

Currys could soon find itself the centre of a bidding war as Chinese online shopping giant JD.com considers making a takeover offer and Waterstones owner Elliott reviews its bid.

The Chinese ecommerce giant said on Monday that “it is in the very preliminary stages of evaluating a possible transaction that may include a cash offer for the entire issued share capital of Currys”. Elliott is understood to considering making a new cash bid for the electricals retailer after its initial £700m offer was rejected on Friday.

Frasers ups stake in AO

Frasers Group has increased its stake in electricals retailer AO World as it launches an £80m share repurchase programme.

The retail group said on Monday that it intends to buy back up to 10 million shares, worth 2% of the company, over the next 11 weeks to 28 April with support from investment banking group Deutsche Numis

Frasers continues its acquisition spree with the group increasing its holding in AO from 23.07% to 24.7% on Tuesday.

The retail empire first snapped up a 19% stake, worth £75m, in the Bolton-based online retailer back in June.

Frasers also holds shares in AO rival Currys, which it said was part of a “strategic investment” as it looks to increase its “foothold in the electricals industry”

Electrolux Introduces Pure Multi 300 and 500 Air Purifiers

Electrolux, a renowned name in home appliances, has recently unveiled its latest offerings in the air purification domain: the **Pure Multi 300** and **Pure Multi 500** air purifiers. These compact devices pack a punch when it comes to cleaning the air in your living spaces.

**Key Features:**

1. **Advanced Filtration**: Both the Pure Multi 300 and 500 models are equipped with **HEPA filters**, capable of capturing up to **99.97% of airborne particles** as small as **0.3 microns**. The Pure Multi 300 employs a **3-step filtration system** with a carbon pre-filter, while the Pure Multi 500 takes it up a notch with a **4-phase system** that includes an additional activated carbon filter.

2. **Efficient Circulation**: The innovative **spiral outlet design** creates a powerful vortex, ensuring efficient air circulation. In just **11 minutes**, these air purifiers can purify a room of up to **10 square meters**.

3. **Whisper-Quiet Operation**: Worried about noise? Fear not! Even in **silent mode**, the sound level remains at a mere **20 decibels**, allowing you to keep the air purifier running while you sleep peacefully.

4. Smart Connectivity: The EPO50371UG model stands out with its connectivity features. It provides real-time data on air quality and allows remote activation of various programs. Stay informed and take control of your indoor environment effortlessly.

5. Bacteria Neutralization and Virus Filtration: Electrolux’s air purifiers are not just about particles. They go the extra mile by neutralizing 99.99% of bacteria and effectively filtering out 99% of airborne viruses.

6. PureSense Technology: The **EPO30311UG model** boasts an advanced **IR particle sensor** through its PureSense system. It continuously monitors air quality and dynamically adjusts the fan speed based on real-time measurements.

In summary, Electrolux’s Pure Multi 300 and 500 air purifiers combine cutting-edge technology, compact design, and powerful performance to create a healthier and fresher indoor environment.

Electrolux received a record fine from the Czech antimonopoly office

intervention of the ÚOHS, which already changed the Czech home appliance market at the end of January 2022, has its result after more than two years of waiting. The Antimonopoly Office fined Electrolux Swedish manufacturer over 125 million crowns. The company admitted to violating competition rules and cooperated with the authority. Nevertheless, it received a record fine – the press release states that Electrolux was proven to have engaged in long-term price-fixing activity, at least from 2012 to the fall of 2021. The text also mentions that the authority is dealing with five more proceedings in this area of the market. In the last two years, its representatives have visited companies such as Beko, HP Tronic and K+B Progres. And also to the FAST ČR wholesaler, which was already fined 30 million last May, as we wrote here . At Electrolux, the intervention of the Office for the Protection of Economic Competition already led to fundamental personnel changes two years ago. In addition to the management of the local representative at the time, two of the three sales teams also ended. Since then, the company has changed significantly in terms of personnel. From September 2022, it will be headed by Jan Rožek

Ultimate products revenue down

Ultimate Products has said Brits are buying fewer airfryers than before, leading revenues to drop four per cent in the second half of the year.

Ultimate Products, which owns Britain’s oldest houseware brand Salter founded in 1760, reported revenues of £84m, down from £87.6m in the first half of 2023, which it said was due to waning sales of the machinesThe group, which sells Russell Hobbs cookware and laundry products under licence as well as owning the Beldray brands, floated on the London Stock Exchange in an IPO worth more than £100m in 2017.

CDP gives Electrolux Group an “A” for climate leadership

CDP has included Electrolux Group in the A list, confirming its leading role in performance and transparency on climate change🌍 “This is a fantastic result that recognizes the commitment of the people in Electrolux Group. Each of us contributes to reducing the our impact on the climate, from using less energy in our industrial activities, to designing and selling more efficient products. But we cannot do it alone and we must continue to collaborate along the entire value chain”, says Elena Breda, Chief Technology & Sustainability Officer. Electrolux Group has been working to address climate change for years and recently announced its second science-based climate target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in products and industrial activities, in support of the Paris Climate Agreement

Waterline to join buying group

The UK’s largest supplier to the kitchen trade industry, Waterline, is the latest Approved Supplier to join Sirius Buying Group.
“We are really excited to work with Waterline to ensure that our Members have access to even more quality products and services to grow their businesses within the UK kitchen space. Our Members are always keen to develop new revenue streams in order to deliver the latest innovations and next-level customer service. With this in mind, the offer from Waterline will definitely support our mission to safeguard and increase profitability for the independent retailer.”

Whirlpool included in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook

Whirlpool Corporation has been included in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2024 based on the company’s commitment to sustainability and transparent communication of progress. The Yearbook is based on S&P Global’s Corporate Sustainability Assessment, a resource for corporate sustainability performance. Of 9,400 companies invited, Whirlpool is the only U.S. based appliance manufacturer to be included in the yearbook in the Household Durables category