Interlude buys Weiman/Preview
By Gary Evans -- Furniture Today, May 22, 2006
Trumbull, Conn. — Accessories source Interlude Home here has purchased contemporary upholstery manufacturer Weiman/Preview from Bassett Furniture Inds.
The purchase price wasn't disclosed.
"We know it's bold for a company specializing in accessories to buy one that designs and manufactures furniture," said Carl Philips, Interlude's president. "But the challenges we've met in growing Interlude Home have been extremely complex and similar to what we face with Weiman. It's a very natural, strategic next step."
Christianburg, Va.-based Weiman has been a Bassett division for over 25 years, but it no longer fits the company's strategic plans, said Rob Spilman, Bassett president and CEO.
"Our focus is on our core Bassett business and growing our Bassett Furniture Direct store network," he said.
Randy Bourne, Interlude's executive vice president of brand development, said the acquisition came about quickly and the company hasn't had time to make detailed long-range plans.
He noted that Weiman and Interlude Studio, which specializes in modern and metropolitan accents and furnishings, share many of the same directions.
"There's some accent furniture in our collection, so it's reasonable to think we might look for some help from Weiman to enhance that part of our business," said Bourne.
Interlude said in a news release that Weiman would function as an independent company, with its own management, design team and sales force.
Philips said that it was "critical" to keep Weiman's domestic factory.
"We intend to maintain the integrity of Weiman on all fronts," he said. "If anything, we're looking toward expansion and creating more jobs."
Interlude Home includes Interlude Studio and Interlude Signature.
