Canada’s three pool/spa industry buying groups — one of which is tied with Carecraft — have merged into one.
In March, IPG International Pool Group and SIMA Group signed a letter of intent to merge. Before that, the buying group LeisureScapes had joined with IPG. So all the major buying groups in Canada have consolidated.
Going into the transaction, American buying group Carecraft was affiliated with IPG. This newest development places Carecraft in the largest pool/spa buying group in North America. Between the Canadian and American wings, the group makes more than $200 million in annual purchases, said Carecraft President Greg Howard.
While the organizations will purchase together, Carecraft operates as a separate corporation from the Canadian group.