Materia Group acquires NC Möbler

PRESS RELEASE August 14, 2009
Materia Group acquires NC Möbler
Materia Group, a leading furniture manufacturer, is growing despite the financial crisis and recession. The
Group, currently comprising design furniture companies Materia in Tranås and Skandiform in Vinslöv, has
a turnover of SEK 215 million and 90 employees. It has been owned since 2004 by the Kinnarps with operations in 36 countries. The new owner’s strong international presence assures export-driven growth for
Materia and Skandiform.
On 1 September, the Group will be strengthened by the acquisition of NC Möbler in Valdemarsvik
NC is a classical manufacturer of wood furniture which has achieved a successful profile thanks to longterm cooperation with some of Scandinavia’s leading furniture designers, among them Björn Dahlström and
Peter Andersson. The company has attained a leading position in the charmed circle of Swedish makers of
design furniture.
“I am really pleased about this acquisition,” says Lars Bülow, CEO of the Materia Group. “NC has its own
distinct design alphabet and will be an ideal complement to Materia’s and Skandiform’s strong brands. NC
represents an exciting renewal in the furniture sector for healthcare in which we see a growing market and
great development potential both in Sweden and internationally.”
NC becomes Scandinavia’s largest brand in creative furniture for the healthcare sector
Thanks to this acquisition, the Skandiform Care product range will be transferred to NC, which will then
become market leader within this entire business sector. As a consequence, Skandiform will reinforce and
streamline its core range of design furniture for offices and public environments. NC’s activities will focus
on innovation. It will lead developments and act as a stimulating and inspiring force thanks to its focus on
renewed functionality and universal design.
“Tomorrow’s healthcare environments will make completely new demands. Care recipients of the future will
hardly be satisfied with yesterday’s furniture. We have decided to launch the NORDIC CARE concept, where
Care implies a broader perspective than merely furniture for healthcare. For us, NORDIC CARE symbolises
our Scandinavian heritage of caring for both human beings and the environment. Fundamental values
based on democracy, participation and responsibility will be clearly reflected in our products,” says Johan
Franzén, Marketing Manager at NC.
Seller satisfied with the transfer
Peter Åkeson, the present second-generation proprietor of NC, leaves his post as managing director with
the acquisition on 1 September, when Lars Bülow takes over.
“It’s a good feeling to hand the baton over to a proprietor with a long-term strategy and strong financial
muscles. The Materia Group has growth ambitions, leadership competence and an extensive marketing
network in many countries. This will give NC a positive thrust,” says Peter Åkeson.
For further information, contact:
Peter Åkeson, MD NC Möbler AB
+46 708 – 14 19 21
[email protected]
Johan Franzén, Marketing Manager NC
+46 708 – 51 15 60
[email protected]
Lars Bülow, CEO Materia Group AB
+46 705 – 38 56 05
[email protected]
www.ncmobler.se
Peter Åkeson and Lars Bülow