News

The 2017 M&A climate was robust, at levels not seen since before the 2008 crash. This meant a terrific year in furniture acquisitions and for Stump & Company.

BDNY (Boutique & Design: New York) was packed and energetic, with many companies reporting record traffic. The Javitz Center format continues to be a hit with small booths that enable companies to efficiently display capabilities and conduct meaningful business without an undue amount of overhead.

The attitude among high-end companies in particular was upbeat. The CEOs we spoke with were enjoying robust traffic and business in this strong economic climate.

This is an exciting time in the market cycle to be entering the High Point Furniture Market. The M&A market is wide open and transactions are happening across our Industry. Prospective Buyers are looking for growth, profitability, and strong management teams. If you need help getting there, we are happy to help. Now may be the time for you to sell!

The halls were jammed this year for the annual commercial furniture exhibition in Chicago. Attitudes were upbeat and most of our clients are signaling good sales and profits for the year.

The M&A environment remains upbeat, and we see a compelling balance of buyers and sellers. There are strong strategic buyers that are interested in growth and diversification of products. Private equity companies have invested in the space, which indicates that there is, likely, additional investment to follow.

The weeklong Spring Residential High Point Market was upbeat and busy. The resounding feeling was that this market was a success, with the energy and enthusiasm of 2006/2007. We spoke with 200+ industry CEOs who described business as good in spite of a weak first quarter with some retailers.

The Las Vegas Market continues to be an important market. The crowds were good and most exhibitors and visitors were optimistic about the coming year. After a year of relatively flat growth and negative political noise, people seemed ready to hit the ground running this year.

There was a vibrant and upbeat backdrop for BDNY (Boutique & Design: New York). We spoke with over 100 hospitality CEOs who all, despite a sluggish fall for many, seem optimistic about the growth in the hospitality sector and a clear path of continued strong growth through 2017 and likely into 2018.

The M&A environment remains open and brisk. The announcement of Lee’s sale to American Leather indicates that the market is indeed open for business. Activity and strengthening of good companies is positive news for the entire industry.

The Stump & Company team feels the merger market remains vibrant with a strong balance of buyers and sellers. One public announcement in particular is worth noting: LacquerCraft's purchase of Grand Manor is a signal that the market is open, and indicates the attractiveness of domestic upholstery.

The High Point Market continues to be a “can’t miss” show for residential furnishings. This year was no exception, and exhibitors felt that traffic was good and order writing was consistent with prior years. Positivity prevailed and exhibitors and attendees alike were upbeat in this economic climate, despite the noise and confusion of state and national politics.

Stuart Elizabeth Mullens, granddaughter of two Furniture Hall of Fame nominees, Ralph Stump and Stuart Love, recently joined furniture industry mergers and acquisition leader Stump & Company as Vice President and Principal.

We are pleased to welcome Stuart (Stump) Mullens to our firm as Vice President and a principal in the firm. Stuart continues the 3rd generation development of future leaders of The Stump Companies.

Stump & Company love the High Point Market in the fall when the weather is clear and cool, and this year we got a perfect Chamber of Commerce commercial: blue skies, calm winds and nice temperatures. Also we had strong attendance, good buying attitudes and no stock market crash.

Contract/Commercial furniture folks are upbeat, as business is strong across all sectors, and most people believe we have another 2-4 years of growth ahead of us.

Optimism at the market was palpable. Most owners mentioned looking 1-2-3 years down the road and seeing encouraging signs for increased sales growth and shareholder value creation. With these good feelings comes renewed chatter in the Merger & Acquisition market. Many Private Equity firms want out of existing positions, while plenty of others want in. Some will want to add to existing portfolios to bolster their holdings. Strategic acquisitions are likewise heating up.

For the furniture industry, spring marks the beginning of a fantastic run of markets: Southeast Asian markets, April High Point, HD-Vegas in May and Neocon-Chicago in June. Huge times for all sectors of the furniture industry to see customers, present new products and to advance their strategic vision.

Mergers & Acquisitions are front and center as the general economy is getting stronger, the furniture trends are positive, and capital remains relatively cheap. Strong companies are buying weak ones, large companies are buying small ones, and Private Equity is furiously looking for deals given their huge pool of available funds.

Stump & Company had a terrific and upbeat six days walking through the International Home Furnishings Market complex, and seeing much of the 12 million square feet of exhibition space spread over 180 buildings, hosting over 2,000 companies and more than 75,000 attendees.

The Vegas market has a very strong mattress/bedding presence, and the World Market Center has done a good job bringing energy and focus to this sector. With Stump & Companys recently announced sale of Jamison Bedding to Solstice Sleep Products, we were busy on the bedding floors actively talking‎ with buyers and sellers.

Our 48 hours in Las Vegas for the HD (hospitality and design) show were exciting and full of upbeat conversations. Most companies are enjoying solid growth‎ as hotels are refurbishing and new construction is heating up.