The PoolWerx franchise in expansion mode

The PoolWerx franchise , Australia’s largest pool and spa maintenance organisation, has today announced the acquisition of Sydney based Pool Water Services for an undisclosed sum.

The deal which includes the acquisition of two retail stores (Forrestville and Seaforth), three company vans, and 12 mobile franchisees on Sydney’s northern beaches is expected to bring an additional $3 million (plus) turnover to the pool franchise.

The PoolWerx franchise CEO, John O’Brien, said the acquisition of Pool Water Services was part of a strategic expansion program the company is aggressively pursuing.

“We’re in a race for space”, says John O’Brien.

“Most of our growth to date has been organic growth, but we’re now looking at strategic acquisitions and partnerships with independent pool store owners”, he said.

O’Brien said the pool franchise is currently speaking with more owners of ‘successful pool stores’ about possible sales or partnerships.

“Pool Water Services is a good business already, but with the higher levels of technical support, training, buying power and marketing support PoolWerx offers, we expect these stores will go from strength to strength under our model”, said John O’Brien.

Pool Water Services was founded by Mark Warr, and has been run as a highly respected family business for the last 19 years.

The PooWerx franchise first approached Pool Water Services five years ago about selling, and serious negotiations have been taking place for the last three months.

“I’m very happy with the arrangement. Most important to me was knowing the Pool Waters Services staff and franchises would be looked after – and I know PoolWerx will do that,” said Mark Warr.

“In the end PoolWerx offered the best exit strategy for me, and I know PoolWerx can take the business to the next level in terms of service and development” he said.

O’Brien says that despite the name change to the PoolWerx franchise, and improvements to stores, vans and equipment, the people won’t change.

“Clients will most likely see the same service technicians – they’ll just be in new uniforms”, said John O’Brien.