ASKO Acquired by Antonio Merloni Group

Kitchen and Bath Design News reports that ASKO, the Swedish manufacturer of high end, high efficiency washer, dryers, and dishwashers was acquired by Antonio Merloni group of Fabriano, Italy.  Our sources say the price was $90 million.  Antonio Merloni is an OEM manufacturer of economy white goods.  (not to be mistaken for his brother's company, Merloni Elettrodemestici and his brands of Ariston, Indesit, and Scholtes).  On a spectrum of ambition, Antonio Merloni may wish to combine purchasing, manufacturing, and management to reduce costs, OR, they may wish to expand and leverage ASKO's brand and distribution with cooking and refrigeration products.