Culp To Expand Fabric Offerings Through Read Window Deal

3/9/18

By Charlie McGee, NCBIZNews

Fabrics producer Culp Inc. announced Thursday an agreement to acquire Read Window Products Inc., a supplier of curtains and other soft goods to hotels since 1981.

Culp did not state how much it will pay for the acquisition and expects the deal to close around the end of March. The company currently plans to pay through cash and investments on hand without incurring any debt.

Culp traditionally has promoted its fabrics products for mattresses, while Read Window’s services have focused on windows. However, both have seen growth in sales of their upholstery fabrics for furniture like sofas and duvets.

Culp expects combining operations in this area to improve its presence in the hotel industry. Read Window had $11 million in revenue in 2017.

“We believe this additional product line will complement our existing upholstery fabrics business and enhance our ability to expand our sales and reach additional customers in the hospitality market,” Culp CEO Frank Saxon said in a press release.

Acquiring Read Windows also gives Culp the opportunity to expand its offerings to consumers.

“Adding window treatments to our product line is a logical step in Culp’s evolution as a complete source of fabrics for the hospitality market,” Boyd Chumbley, president of Culp’s upholstery fabrics division, said. “The opportunity to work with an established source will allow us to respond to customer demand in an efficient manner.”

No projections were given for future fiscal quarter results. Culp’s shares closed Thursday at $30.10, the highest closing the company has seen in over a month.

The filing can be found here.