Fabricut buys Stroheim

-- Home Textiles Today, 5/6/2010 9:11:00 AM

Decorative fabrics supplier Fabricut has agreed to purchase Stroheim, producer of high-end design fabrics, trimming, and wall paper owned by Germany-based JAB.

The 145-year-old Stroheim, previously known as Stroheim & Romann, was acquired by JAB in the early 1980s, and all facets of its business with the exception of its decorative hardware will be under the Fabricut banner. The agreement is expected to be consummated in mid-May, according the David Finer, Fabricut ceo.

In addition, Finer said the two companies have formed an 11-year strategic alliance to work together in a number of business activities. “The acquisition of Stroheim is a very important part of our strategy to add critical mass to our high end brands – Vervain and S. Harris.”

For JAB, it is an opportunity “to focus on its home-based European brands and increase its footprint for those brands in the North American market,” said Ralph Anstoetz, JAB chairman. The JAB brands include JAB, Chivasso, Soleil Bleu and Gardisette.

The agreement between the two companies accomplishes both objectives, the executives stated.

“The acquisition of Stroheim adds important critical mass to our high-end brands with the added cachet of a 145-year heritage and strong drawing power, and it provides us with an entry into the wall paper market,” Finer explained.

In the lineup, S. Harris represents a strong designer showroom and hospitality brand. Vervain is a highly specialized high-end fabric line, especially in window products and desirable designer licensees like Charles Foudree and Barry Dixon. Stroheim brings a wide range of market product, all offered in swatch books as well as showrooms.

Fabricut and Trend are broader in scope and showcased separately, he added.

Stroheim will be marketed in many of the company’s existing showrooms around the country – both in independent agents spaces and in company showrooms, Finer noted.

David Klaristenfeld, vp, sales for Fabricut, will add Stroheim’s fabric, trimming and wallpaper collections to his responsibilities. Nina Butkin, vp of design for Fabricut, will add design responsibilities for Stroheim.

JAB decorative hardware will be marketed hereby Marck Bloemers, national director, JAB decorative hardware.

Purchase price was not disclosed.