Georg Fischer (Schaffhausen / Switzerland; www.georgfischer.com) has acquired Canadian pipes and fittings distributor Alfa Plastics (Brampton, Ontario; www.alfaplastics.com). The company specialises in the distribution of plastic pipes, fittings and valves for water treatment, chemical processes and other industrial applications. It has annual sales of around CHF 4.5m (EUR 2.8m) and employs 20 people. The purchase price was not disclosed and the transaction is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2008.

Alfa has worked with GF Piping Systems over the last 20 years and is an important distribution partner in Canada. The company will be renamed Georg Fischer Piping Systems and will be responsible for managing piping systems activities across the country. It is expected to change from its present business as a distributor to a wholly owned sales, service and stocking point for Canadian customers.