Fluidra S.A. and Zodiac Pool Solutions have agreed to merge. The merger is expected to close in the first half of 2018. Fluidra Executive President Eloi Planes will serve as Executive Chairman of its board of directors, while Zodiac CEO Bruce Brooks will serve as the company's CEO.

The combined company will keep Fluidra's name and public listing on the Spanish stock exchange, employ a workforce of 5,500 dedicated pool industry professionals and operate an expansive global footprint stretching across more than 45 countries in North America, Europe, Australia, Asia, South America and Africa, with the US representing its larger market. The transaction is subject to the approval of Fluidra's shareholders, as well as other customary conditions including merger control clearances and the exemption by the Spanish stock market regulator (CNMV) of Rhône Capital launching a mandatory takeover bid following completion of the merger.