Mosaic Companies (“Mosaic”) announces the acquisitions of Walker Zanger and Opustone, industry-leading distributors of luxury natural and engineered stone slabs and tiles in the North American market.
Mosaic is the holding company that also includes Surfaces Southeast, a leading manufacturer and distributor of specialty wall and mosaic coverings to the home center and specialty retail markets.
Mosaic is a partnership between Albert Claramonte, the founder of Surfaces Southeast and a pioneer in the U.S. glass mosaic tile market, and The Baupost Group, a leading Boston-based investment manager with significant experience partnering with family and founder-owned businesses.
“With the acquisitions of Walker Zanger and Opustone, we are bringing together industry expertise and leading luxury brands to support our strategy of growth and diversification across product categories including specialty and mosaic tiles, floor tiles and slabs – as well as our key channels including retailers, distribution and luxury showrooms,” said Glen Morrison, CEO of Mosaic. “We are creating a business focused on unparalleled customer experiences and market leading design with omnichannel reach to create a powerhouse in the luxury surfaces industry.”
Walker Zanger is a leading designer of luxury tile and stone surfaces and the best-recognized such brand among architects, designers, homebuilders and contractors across the U.S. with broad reach across the residential and commercial markets. For more than 65 years, Walker Zanger has been the go-to expert in the industry and is often the first to pioneer new materials, styles, innovations and specialty surface products. Rooted in natural stone slab design, the company continues to push the boundaries of possibility, including recent introductions of cutting-edge materials like recycled glass slabs and thinner-than-stone porcelain slabs that emulate natural marble veining. Walker Zanger carries on the innovative spirit with equal passion today in its curated showrooms and slab galleries, as well as 200 authorized dealers nationwide.
“We are thrilled to be part of the Mosaic team,” said Jeff Lupica, acting general manager of Walker Zanger. “With Mosaic’s reach and resources, we have the opportunity to further build upon our 65-year history as an innovative leader in natural stone slabs and tile.”
Founded in 2001, Opustone is considered one of the most sought-after distributors of decorative and ornamental stone in the South Florida region. With headquarters in Miami, Opustone has three luxury showrooms in South Florida: Miami, West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale, and offers an unparalleled selection of luxury natural slabs as well as tile.
“I’m incredibly excited about the potential this unlocks for us in the years to come,” said Eric Schigiel, president, Opustone. “By joining forces with Mosaic Companies, Opustone is becoming part of a vibrant, growing business that shares a similar vision and set of values, as well as a strong commitment to quality products, innovative design, and passion for customers. Together, we are stronger and will be able to accelerate growth and expand our reach nationwide.”
In addition to retaining his role as president, Opustone, Eric Schigiel will also serve as a strategic advisor to Walker Zanger’s slab division. Jeff Lupica will continue to serve as acting general manager of Walker Zanger, supported by the existing Walker Zanger team.
The acquisition of Walker Zanger was complete in January 2021. The acquisition of Opustone closed in July 2021.