Ceragres, importer and distributor of wall and floor coverings, as well as specialized products, announces the acquisition of Montréal-Les-Bains, fine plumbing and bathroom accessories specialist.

Looking toward the future

Ceragres is celebrating its 25 years, the company is in full boom and looking toward the future. In a commercial retail market in full crisis and ever more competitive, Ceragres, a leader in the ceramic industry, chose to stand out by building on design, expertise and innovation and make it its corporate motto. Among its initiatives, the implementation of a new, more selective approach to distribution and an improved sales experience, as well as a wider product offering.

In addition to ceramic, Ceragres also offers a wide selection of customized stone countertops in its manufacturing workshop as well as specialized products such as ventilated cladding and pool systems. And with the acquisition of Montréal-Les-Bains, the company now offers a selection of high-end products such as faucets, bathtubs, showers and fixtures, as well as bathroom and kitchen accessories.

The customers can now choose among a wide variety of products and services that include everything they need under one roof to complete their project. 

The great encounter

Guy Gervais, CEO of Montréal-based Ceragres, decided one morning to keep driving past the office and towards Mont-Royal Avenue and walked in - quite unexpectedly – to the Montréal-Les-Bains store. The businessman had been postponing the visit of this Montréal favourite for too long. He loved what he saw. Mr. Gervais asked to meet the owner, introduced himself and asked plainly: “Is your store for sale?”

Pierre Carrière, Operations Manager and co-owner of Montréal-Les-Bains for 15 years was astounded and curious. “I would have never imagined this happening this morning when I woke up; I had never really thought about it but I liked his audacity and invited him to go for coffee”, says Mr. Carrière.   

The two Quebec entrepreneurs became accomplices and realized that there was a great business opportunity present. The acquisition was made official just a few weeks later.

One common vision, two distinct entities

“We were immediately impressed by the aesthetics and quality of the products offered, but also by their technical support that dovetails perfectly with the design and expertise of Ceragres”, says Mr. Gervais. Sharing the same passion for design, quality products, attention to detail and personalized customer service, Mr. Gervais and Mr. Carrière have common business visions and values, and wish above all to offer an even more complete buying experience for tomorrow’s customers.   

Montréal-Les-Bains keeps its name, its showroom and brand identity, and Pierre Carrière is now Sales and Development Manager for the fine plumbing division. The Montréal-Les-Bains products will now be displayed at the Ceragres boutiques and vice versa. There are today six Ceragres Boutique Workspaces and 60 Ceragres Tile Shop partners in Quebec, Ontario and the Maritimes.