Westgate acquires Quaker’s Brazilian operations
Will sell fabric under Quaker name there
Joan Gunin -- Furniture Today, February 8, 2008
NEW YORK — Fabric supplier Westgate by ADF has acquired the Brazilian assets of bankrupt Quaker Fabrics and will sell under the Quaker brand name in Brazil.
The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware approved Westgate’s purchase of Quaker Textil Do Brasil, including the brand name and a warehouse and sales office based in Sao Paolo. According to the court records, Westgate paid $100,000.
Quaker filed for bankruptcy in August.
David Li, CEO of Westgate’s parent, Home Furnishing International, said the deal “will enhance Westgate’s status as a worldwide supplier of decorative fabrics and finished home fashions.”
Westgate operates distribution centers in Shanghai, Belgium and Mexico, as well as a 275,000-square-foot distribution center in Gaffney, S.C. “The purchase of Quaker Brazil gives us a new distribution center in Sao Paolo, which will enable us to service accounts throughout South America,” Li said.
Rodrigo Prieto continues as general manager of Quaker Brazil, reporting to Li and Billy DeSousa, vice president of international sales.
“Quaker Brazil remains an extremely well-respected and important brand name in decorative fabrics in Brazil,” Li said. “The Brazilian subsidiary has been performing very well, but unfortunately was caught up in the bankruptcy of the parent company.”
Westgate will market decorative fabrics under the Quaker brand in Brazil. The assortment will be expanded by year’s end to include home fashions and accessories.
Osvaldo Schenquerman, Westgate’s regional sales manager based in Argentina, will continue to manage its exports to Central and South America, except Brazil. He will report to DeSousa.
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