New owners plan expansion of ethical brand Clearer Water
County Antrim-based Clearer Water, the ethical brand has been acquired by Soilèir Group from the AEL Charity for an undisclosed sum.
Clearer Water is situated on the shores of Larne Lough and known for its premium, ethical bottled water. The naturally stone-filtered alkaline spring water is taken from a deep aquifer at Maghermorne, offering a pH of 7.8 and rich in essential minerals.
The business began as a social enterprise company, championing a mixed ability workforce, and providing training and employment opportunities for socially disadvantaged young people in Northern Ireland.
The small company’s bottled water is supplied across Northern Ireland, with some sales in England.
New owners Ross Lazaroo-Hood and Sitki Gelmen are founders of Landmark Holding Group, an insurance group and the Principal Sponsor of Larne FC, with Lazaroo-Hood from the county Antrim town.
They operate a joint family charity, The RUSA Foundation, which promotes grass root sports and building community spirit by providing relief to disadvantaged and underprivileged families. It jointly set up The Larne Laptop appeal with the Brighter Futures Charity in 2021.
Soiléir has announced it will maintain the ethos and integrity of the Clearer Water brand, which will operate as a separate entity, retaining all existing staff while developing plans to create further employment opportunities and expand product lines.
A statement by Lazaroo-Hood and Gelmen, joint owners of Clearer Water and co-chairmen of The Soilèir Group, says: ‘In addition to Clearer Water’s unique position and quality water, Clearer has been an inspiration in Northern Ireland communities assisting those with mixed working ability; a growing brand in Northern Ireland with a passion to be recognised further afield.
‘We will be setting out a wide range of expansion plans, building the company over the short to long term future that will see growth for the brand and bringing more mixed ability career opportunities. We want to bring a vision of growth and greater impact to the local communities within the town of Larne and all over NI. At Soilèir, we see the growing demand for exceptional bottled water and the Clearer acquisition will allow the brand to effectively respond to customer demands at home in NI and in new territories.
‘We will be making some exciting announcements very soon to enhance the Clearer Brand and new product ranges – so stay tuned and please support everyone involved at the Clearer Water family; from purchasing our water to following us on all our social media platforms.’
Ross Lazaroo-Hood and Sitki Gelmen, new owners of Clearer Water.
