SAS acquires Natura World

Michael Knell -- Home Textiles Today, 4/30/2012 2:29:59 PM

Toronto - Canadian bedding specialist Spring Air Sommex Corp. has taken control of rival Natura World Inc., including exclusive rights to its brands throughout North America and its manufacturing operation in nearby Cambridge, Ontario.
The terms of the acquisition were not announced.
SAS produces mattresses under the Sommex and ObusForme labels out of its facilities here and in Trois-Rivières, Quebec and Winnipeg, Manitoba.
"We are excited to be part of the continued growth of Natura," Valerie Stranix, SAS chief marketing officer said in a statement. "Natura has a beautiful natural product line and a unique position in the market with premium quality latex mattresses, pillows and wool toppers."

SAS said it plans to operate Natura as a separate division that will continue to use its existing facility in Cambridge. Ralph Rossdeutscher, Natura's co-founder and president, will be executive vice president of the Natura division.
Natura World sought protection under the Bankruptcy & Insolvency Act last year. At the time, Rossdeutscher said that action was needed to enable the privately held supplier of pillows, pads and mattresses to devise a plan to pay down the debt it acquired to support its expansion plans in the U.S. market.
Neither Natura World USA - its Texas-based operation - nor its NexGel subsidiary, which it acquired in 2009, was affected by the B&I filing.
"I'm looking forward to this next stage in our growth and the opportunity to again focus on our customers and retailers that have been so supportive," Rossdeutscher said.
"SAS' reputation for excellence in service, quality craftsmanship and shipment accuracy will greatly benefit the Natura brand and its customers," added Ed Farquharson, SAS executive vice president of sales.