Latham Group Acquires Freedom Pools
MWN-AI** Summary
Latham Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: SWIM), a leader in the design and manufacture of in-ground residential swimming pools, has recently enhanced its market presence by acquiring Freedom Pools, a prominent fiberglass pool manufacturer operating in Australia and New Zealand. This strategic acquisition, finalized on February 26, 2026, is expected to be immediately accretive to Latham’s earnings, projecting an annualized addition of approximately $20 million in net sales and around $4 million in adjusted EBITDA, prior to any benefits from acquisition synergies.
The purchase price for Freedom Pools was approximately $17 million, fully funded by Latham's cash reserves. Sean Gadd, Latham's President and CEO, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting Freedom Pools' strong reputation in product quality and customer service—values that resonate with Latham’s mission. This transaction not only expands Latham's footprint in Australia and New Zealand but also marks a strategic entry into the fast-growing market of Western Australia, including cities like Perth.
With over 50 years of experience, Freedom Pools has established itself as one of Australia’s most awarded fiberglass pool builders, offering a diverse range of pool models and spa products. Its operations, including manufacturing facilities in key cities and partnerships in New Zealand, align with Latham's existing structure following its 2019 acquisition of Narellan Pools.
Going forward, Freedom Pools and Narellan Pools will utilize a dual-brand strategy, leveraging display centers to enhance direct-to-consumer engagement. Grant Craig, General Manager of Freedom Pools, emphasized that this partnership will enable Freedom to capitalize on Latham’s scale while continuing its commitment to delivering quality fiberglass pools, indicating a promising path for growth in the sector.
MWN-AI** Analysis
Latham Group's recent acquisition of Freedom Pools marks a significant strategic move in the fiberglass pool market, particularly in Australia and New Zealand. With an acquisition price of $17 million funded through cash reserves, Latham is set to bolster its revenues and EBITDA by approximately $20 million and $4 million respectively—this is before any potential synergies from the merger. Such financial metrics indicate a potentially smart investment, especially given that the market for fiberglass pools in these regions is robust.
The dual-brand strategy of operating Narellan Pools and Freedom Pools simultaneously positions Latham to leverage the strengths of both brands while expanding its direct-to-consumer sales approach. This is particularly advantageous as it allows consumers to experience products firsthand in display centers, enhancing customer engagement and facilitating sales conversions.
Additionally, Freedom Pools’ established reputation and distribution network will enhance Latham’s market penetration in Western Australia—especially in Perth, a city known for rapid population growth and an increasing demand for residential pools. This acquisition is not merely additive in terms of revenue but is a strategic expansion into a region with high growth potential.
From an investment perspective, Latham Group seems poised for growth. Investors should consider monitoring Latham’s performance metrics closely in the upcoming quarters to evaluate the success of integration strategies and operational synergies. Furthermore, the immediate accretiveness of this acquisition may reflect positively on Latham’s share price in the near term.
Caution is advised, however, as with any acquisition, there are risks associated with integration and market performance. Investors should stay informed about broader economic conditions and the residential construction market, which can significantly impact Latham's operations in the residential pool segment. Overall, the acquisition appears positive, but it’s essential to remain vigilant and assess ongoing developments.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
- Combination Creates a Market-Leader in Fiberglass Pools Across Australia and New Zealand
- Transaction Expected to be Immediately Accretive to Earnings
LATHAM, N.Y., March 03, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Latham Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: SWIM), the largest designer, manufacturer, and marketer of in-ground residential swimming pools in North America, Australia, and New Zealand, today announced that it has acquired Freedom Pools, a fiberglass pool manufacturer and installer operating in Australia and New Zealand. The transaction was completed on February 26, 2026.
The acquisition is expected to be immediately accretive to Latham’s earnings, adding approximately $20 million in net sales and approximately $4 million in adjusted EBITDA, on an annualized basis, before acquisition synergies. The purchase price was approximately $17 million, and the transaction was fully funded with cash on hand.
Sean Gadd, President and CEO of Latham Group, commented, “We are pleased to partner with such a highly regarded company as Freedom Pools. Their award-winning reputation reflects a deep commitment to product quality, innovation, and service excellence – values that strongly align with those of Latham. This transaction expands our presence in Australia and New Zealand – markets where fiberglass pools have a strong foothold and provides a strategic entry into new markets in Western Australia, including Perth – the fastest-growing city in the country.
With more than 50 years of history, Freedom Pools is one of Australia’s longest standing and most highly awarded fiberglass pool builders. The company designs, manufactures, and exports a broad range of fiberglass pool models and spa products, with operations in Australia and New Zealand. Freedom Pools operates manufacturing facilities in Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane, supported by display centers across Australia, while in New Zealand the company currently partners locally to deliver its extensive pool collections.
This acquisition complements Latham’s existing presence with Narellan Pools, which Latham acquired in 2019, and enhances its ability to execute a direct-to-consumer strategy through Freedom’s display centers, where prospective customers can experience fiberglass pool models firsthand and receive expert guidance. Narellan and Freedom will operate under a dual-brand strategy going forward.
“Since our founding in the 1970s, Freedom Pools has been a pioneer in fiberglass pool manufacturing, and we are proud to have grown into one of the leading players in the Australia and New Zealand markets,” commented Grant Craig, General Manager of Freedom Pools. “By leveraging Latham Group’s scale and experience and given our shared commitment to delivering high-quality fiberglass pools, this partnership positions Freedom to enter its next phase of growth.”
About Latham Group, Inc.
Latham Group, Inc., headquartered in Latham, NY, is the largest designer, manufacturer, and marketer of in-ground residential swimming pools in North America, Australia, and New Zealand. Latham has a coast-to-coast operations platform consisting of approximately 1,850 employees across around 30 locations.
Forward-Looking Statements
All statements contained in this press release other than statements of historical fact may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are outside of our control, which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. See our Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent reports we file with the SEC for information regarding such factors. We cannot guarantee future results, levels of activities, performance or achievements.
These forward-looking statements reflect our views with respect to future events as of the date hereof or the date specified herein. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or review publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise after the date hereof. Our forward-looking statements further do not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, joint ventures or investments we may undertake.
Contact:
Lynn Morgen
Casey Kotary
ADVISIRY Partners
lathamir@advisiry.com
212-750-5800
FAQ**
How will the acquisition of Freedom Pools enhance Latham Group Inc. SWIM's competitive positioning in the Australian and New Zealand fiberglass pool markets?
What specific synergies does Latham Group Inc. SWIM anticipate from the integration of Freedom Pools into its existing operations?
How does Latham Group Inc. SWIM plan to leverage Freedom Pools' display centers to execute its direct-to-consumer strategy effectively?
What are the potential risks and challenges Latham Group Inc. SWIM may face in implementing the dual-brand strategy with Freedom Pools moving forward?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Latham Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SWIM).
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