KERAKOLL GROUP: announces the acquisition of 60% of Caltra Nederland B.V.
June 2, 2025
Kerakoll, A Benefit Company B Corp certified operating internationally in the construction sector, and Steda Holding, have announced the completion of a strategic partnership agreement that involves the acquisition by Kerakoll of 60% of Caltra Nederland, a subsidiary of the Steda Holding.
Caltra Nederland is a Dutch company specialising in the development, production and sale of supplementary cementitious materials, SCMs, and low-carbon clinker, founded in 1984 by Ludo van Nes.
The aim of the transaction – formalised on 16 May – is to combine skills and resources to develop alternative binders with low carbon emissions, grasping the opportunities offered by the transformation of the cement sector, committed to reducing environmental impact, and by the implications for the premixed products sector.
The decarbonisation of construction - with the cement industry responsible for about 7% of total greenhouse gas emissions - is one of the most important future challenges to achieve zero emissions. The use of additives, alternative materials and circular economy solutions, are some of the most promising solutions to reconvert the industry’s business models.
“The acquisition of a majority shareholding in Caltra marks a further step forward in the innovation and sustainability process embarked on by Kerakoll,” said Fabio Sghedoni, Vice President of Kerakoll Group.
“With this strategic operation,” commented Marco Zini, Group CEO of Kerakoll, “our group secures an important international presence, in the heart of Europe, in terms of know-how on components that will be crucial for the development of alternative cements, such as SCMs and low-carbon clinkers.”
SEARCH OUR NEWS SERVICE
FEATURED ARTICLES
As the foundation of any interior, flooring plays a vital role in creating calm, uplifting spaces. Our latest article explores how leading brands blend natural aesthetics with modern performance, so no matter what your style, there are numerous options for both indoor and outdoor home décor.
It’s no secret that one of the biggest issues facing the UK flooring industry is the shortage of skilled labour, and this is a problem that’s only likely to get worse as the older generation hangs up its tools and finds fewer and fewer young hands willing to take up the trade. While the overall declining interest in practical trades is a matter to be addressed by all stakeholders – particularly at a Government level – flooring manufacturers and specialised training outfits have long been playing their parts to raise standards within the industry.
Greendale Carpets are the longest established buying group in the UK, having been formed in 1962. The group is a member owned cooperative run on a not-for-profit basis with any surplus at the end of the financial year being put back into the group for the sole benefit of the member.
The Associated Carpet Group held its Platinum Supplier Show this past 14-15 March, celebrating its 40th anniversary at the illustrious Hilton Hotel at St George’s Park, the home of the FA and England football teams. The annual showcase is both a platform for ACG’s suppliers to present their newest offerings to the buying group’s members and, of course, a highly enjoyable social event!
Retailers who are considering joining a buying group would be right in thinking that the combined buying power of multiple retailers all over the UK is a positive because, let’s face it, millions of pounds of buying power is better than thousands of pounds.
SMG has something for every retailer, large or small, long established or just starting out. Members run their businesses as they see fit but gain advantage from the most comprehensive package of benefits around and, all for the lowest annual membership fee.
The countdown has begun for this year’s Flanders Flooring Days event. From 2-5 June 2025, organisers say, Flanders will be buzzing with the fourth edition of this flooring-focused event. Over 100 international brands will be showcasing their latest products in ‘The Hub’ in Kortrijk Xpo as well as the local showrooms of participating companies. Alongside many now-familiar names, the organisers say they are delighted to be welcoming a list of newcomers to the event. Register now for your free visit!
As manufacturing technology continues to develop, the ability of LVT to accurately mimic any natural surface becomes even more impressive. Bypassing the often high costs associated with their real-life counterparts, wood- and stone-effect LVT ranges offer customers a variety of aesthetic options unmatched by almost any other type of flooring.
BUSINESS NEWS
Imports of soft flooring including wall-to-wall carpet and rugs were up 8.8% to £74.75m in March, according to HMRC data compiled by The Furnishing Report. With this increase, imports of carpet grew faster during the period than alternatives like vinyl.
GfK’s long-running Consumer Confidence Index decreased by four points to -23 in April. All measures were down in comparison to last month’s announcement. These are the current findings of the GfK Consumer Confidence Barometer (CCB) powered by NIM. The CCB has been published jointly by GfK and the Nuremberg Institute for Market Decisions (NIM), the founder of GfK, since October 2023.
Likewise Group, the UK flooring distributor, has announced its audited final results for the year ended 31 December 2024.
GfK’s long-running Consumer Confidence Index increased by one point to -19 in March. Two measures were up, two were down and one was unchanged in comparison to last month’s announcement.
The prices of carpets and other floorcoverings fell 1.8% in March 2025, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics. This is the second consecutive month of falling prices, with carpets seeing a drop of 1.7% in February, down from 2.5% growth in the same period last year.
As of 1 April, Herman and Age Mulder will take over the management of Rinos as Managing Directors. They represent the fifth generation to join as shareholders of the family business, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. Milco Visscher will start as commercial director on 1 May. The current managing director, Peter Kuipers, will oversee the transition and step down on 31 July.
Imports of flooring to the UK this February were up 7% when compared to the same period last year, reaching a total value of £127.9m, according to figures compiled by The Furnishing Report.
Likewise Group, one of the UK’s largest flooring distributors, has announced a “particularly positive” start to the year with gross sales revenue in Q1 2025 increasing by 10.7% against the corresponding period last year. Sales in the Likewise Branded businesses have increased by 14.6%.
The British Furniture Confederation (BFC), the public affairs umbrella body of furniture and beds, furnishings and flooring sector trade associations, has unveiled its new Plan for Growth. The document is said to support BFC’s advocacy across four key pillars: skills and education; trade and exports; standards and regulations; and the environment and circular economy. It has been developed over the past few months, the organisation says, evolving from a combination of position papers written by the associations’ executives and a comprehensive survey of their collective members.
Consumer card spending grew 1.0% year-on-year in February – lower than January’s 1.9% increase and less than the latest CPIH inflation rate of 3.9%, according to recent figures reported by Barclays. In anticipation of higher bills, consumers are said to be cutting back on essential outgoings, but still prioritising discretionary purchases, contributing to an uptick in optimism in the health of personal and household finances.
The INDX National Flooring Show (formerly known as the Buyers Groups’ National Flooring Show) took place at Cranmore Park Conference and Event Centre from 13-14 May, impressing visitors with an array of top brands and new products from all corners of the industry, from tools and adhesives to carpets and LVTs. Our next issue will feature a full rundown and review of the event, but in the meantime, here is a quick snapshot of what we saw at the 2025 show.
Karndean Designflooring, a trusted leader in the luxury vinyl market, is consolidating its reputation for excellence with upgraded instore displays. Following market research, refreshed display units have been designed to maximise brand recognition and make it easier than ever for customers to choose a floor they’ll love for a lifetime.
Flooring accessories supplier floorwise has unveiled a new tools guide, cataloguing a carefully curated selection of tools and sundries for floor fitters now available at distributors across the UK, Ireland and Europe.
The new production plant of Kerakoll Group, a B Corp certified Benefit Corporation, operating worldwide in the building sector, has been inaugurated in Jaipur, in the state of Rajasthan, north-western India.
Adriatico 70 from IVC Commercial brings the look of homogeneous flooring in a brand-new, affordable, heavy-duty compact collection.
The BerryAlloc Zenn luxury vinyl tile (LVT) collection offers a calming blend of style, comfort, and practicality - perfect for modern living. Available in tiles, planks and herringbone formats, Zenn combines ultra-matt finishes with realistic wood and stone designs to bring timeless elegance into every interior, from residential spaces to light commercial projects.