Thibaut Inc., Wallpaper and Fabrics Manufacturer, Acquired by The Riverside Company from RPM International, Inc.
DATE: January 2006
PR Contact (NJ): Stacy Senior Allan 800 223 0704 x 111
PR Contact (NY): Cathy Callegari 212 579 1370
Newark, NJ – Thibaut Inc., the oldest continually operating wallpaper company in the U.S., was acquired by its management and The Riverside Company, the largest private equity firm focused on investing in companies at the smaller end of the middle market. The company was purchased for an undisclosed amount from RPM International, Inc., Thibaut’s parent since 1976.
These changes at Thibaut position the wallpaper and fabric design firm for expanded growth under its present management team, headed by Bob Senior as its new CEO. Prior to becoming CEO, Mr. Senior was president of the Zinsser division of RPM, which also included Thibaut, where he played a major role in the restructuring of the company. He and the existing Thibaut management team are partners with Riverside in the company.
“Thibaut has a proven track record as a leader in the wallpaper and fabric design industry,” commented Loren Schlachet, Riverside Partner. “Riverside invests in unique and niche companies that possess strong management teams and offer potential for significant growth, and Thibaut fits our investment strategy. With the strong trend toward home buying and decorating, we are confident that Thibaut is a sound investment with a promising future.”
According to Mr. Senior, “Over the past 10 years, Thibaut has been outperforming the design industry, experiencing dramatic and consistent growth. With the infusion of capital and management expertise, Thibaut is poised for expanded growth. Going forward, the company will focus on broadening its wallpaper and fabric collections with greater emphasis on fabrics, building the Thibaut brand, and capitalizing on the strong consumer interest in home decorating with a renewed resurgence in wallcoverings.”
Thibaut specializes in wallpaper and fabrics designed for the high-end residential decorating and remodeling market. The collections are sold through interior designers, designer showrooms, and fine decorating retailers throughout the United States, Canada, and 25 international markets. Known for its exceptional and unique designs, the company distinguishes itself with inspiring color palettes, fresh interpretations of classic designs, and exclusive artwork created by an in-house design team. Thibaut keeps a constant focus on market trends by paying attention to what homeowners want in interior design, and has a reputation for superior quality and outstanding customer service.
For more information about Thibaut, visit the company’s Web site at www.thibautdesign.com.
About Thibaut Inc.
Thibaut Inc., headquartered in Newark, NJ, was founded in 1886 by Richard E. Thibaut of Paris, France. The company began as a successful retailer and East Coast distributor of wallpapers, and has burgeoned into a leading design house of traditional patterns, vibrant colors and prints displayed in an extensive collection of wallpapers and companion fabrics. Thibaut designs have been displayed in the most stately and historic of homes, including the White House, and are distinguished by inspiring colors and interpretations of classic designs that are centered on old world craftsmanship and quality. The Thibaut family sold the company to its dedicated employees in 1953. It was purchased by RPM, a world leader in specialty coatings in 1976, and was sold to The Riverside Company in January 2006. In keeping with its heritage, it is run much like a closely-knit family business, in which a team of dedicated employees work to ensure customer satisfaction at every level.
About The Riverside Company
The Riverside Company is the largest private equity firm focused on the small end of the middle market and is one of the industry’s most experienced leveraged buyout investors. Riverside specializes in premier companies with enterprise values of less than $100 million, and partners with strong management teams to build companies through acquisitions and value-added growth. Since 1988, the firm has invested in 119 transactions with a total value of $2.1 billion, sales of $2.4 billion, EBITDA of $263 million and 11,000 employees. Its current portfolio of companies in the U.S. and Europe numbers 41. More information on The Riverside Company can be found at www.riversidecompany.com and www.riversideeurope.com.
