LIXIL and American Bath Group Enter Into Strategic Partnership to Grow Bathing Business

NEW JERSEY/TOKYO, April 1, 2025 - LIXIL Americas (LIXIL) and American Bath Group (ABG) today announced that they have entered into a strategic partnership in the North America region focused on the bathing business. The partnership significantly expands the presence of the American Standard, DXV, and Eljer brands in the bathing sector, leveraging LIXIL’s and ABG’s core competencies, and enabling growth through cross-sales. 

Under the terms of the agreement, LIXIL will license to ABG exclusive rights to produce and distribute bathing products under the American Standard, DXV, and Eljer brands. ABG will also acquire the manufacturing facility in Salem, Ohio and a portion of the manufacturing assets from the sites in Monterrey, Mexico and Mansfield, Ohio.

“By leveraging LIXIL’s and ABG’s core competencies, we can further expand our reach in this competitive market, while also strengthening LIXIL’s focus on high-performance toilets and fittings,” said Nik Bafana, Leader, LIXIL Americas. “This decision reflects LIXIL’s commitment to refining its portfolio, prioritizing core areas of focus, and driving sustainable growth in the Americas region.”

By partnering with ABG, LIXIL ensures the continued success and legacy of the American Standard, DXV, and Eljer brands under the stewardship of a trusted partner known for comprehensive bathing product offerings and a strong market presence.

“To entrust someone with our brands in bathing, we needed a partner who shares our passion and commitment to their legacy,” added Bafana. “ABG has demonstrated enthusiasm for the American Standard, DXV, and Eljer brands, alongside a firm commitment to preserving their success and integrity.”

For ABG, this agreement represents a significant step in strengthening its leadership in the bathing category across North America. The collaboration enhances its expansive product portfolio and complements the American Standard, DXV, and Eljer brands’ equity and design leadership.

“This partnership marks an exciting and important milestone in the evolution of American Bath Group,” said Rick Stonecipher, founder and CEO of ABG. “We look forward to partnering with LIXIL in producing high quality products backed by these tremendous brands to unlock new growth opportunities in the market,” added Stonecipher.

Both LIXIL and ABG are committed to ensuring a seamless transition for employees, customers, and partners.

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About LIXIL
LIXIL makes pioneering water and housing products that solve everyday, real-life challenges, making better homes a reality for everyone, everywhere. Drawing on our Japanese heritage, we create world-leading technology and innovate to make high quality products that transform homes. But the LIXIL difference is how we do this; through meaningful design, an entrepreneurial spirit, a dedication to improving accessibility for all, and responsible business growth. Our approach comes to life through industry leading brands, including INAX, GROHE, American Standard, and TOSTEM. Approximately 53,000 colleagues operating in more than 150 countries are proud to make products that touch the lives of more than a billion people every day.

About American Bath Group
American Bath Group is a leader in the North American bathware industry, operating approximately 50 facilities across North America. ABG sells its products through numerous channels, including wholesale, retail, commercial, showroom and e-commerce, among others. ABG’s expansive product portfolio is supported by more than twenty brands and includes shower products (enclosures, walls, doors, bases), tub showers, bathtubs, spas and other related products. ABG is a portfolio company of Centerbridge Partners, L.P., a private investment firm with approximately $41 billion of assets under management as of December 31, 2024.