In the News: Knoll Acquires Outdoor Furniture Company Richard Schultz (Part 2)

Now that Richard Schultz Design has announced that it has been acquired by Knoll, we're getting the scoop on what the transition means for both companies.

"The acquisition of Richard Schultz reflects our ongoing interest in remixing our business with high design, high-margin specialty offerings which appeal to both commercial buyers and consumers worldwide," said Andrew B. Cogan, Knoll's CEO. "Richard Schultz began his career as a designer with Knoll and co-founded his company with his son Peter in 1992. Together, they have built an international reputation for exploring new materials and forms for outdoor furniture. We look forward to the continuous success of the Richard Schultz brand," he added.

Shultz's mother was hired by Florence (Shu) Knoll in 1950 to work with her on interior design projects. His father was hired by Hans and Shu in 1951 after he graduated from design school, and proceeded to design the iconic 1966 Collection and Petal Table Collections, among others.

In 1992, Richard Shultz Design was created with the goal of continuing to explore new product ideas specific to outdoor furniture. With Knoll’s permission and assistance, they were able to re-introduce the 1966 Collection and Petal Tables.

Peter Schultz, President of Richard Shultz Design, will remain a consultant to Knoll, and most of the current staff will remain in place.

In the News: Knoll Acquires Outdoor Furniture Company Richard Schultz (Part 1 of 2)

Richard Schultz Design has announced that it has been acquired by Knoll in a deal expected to close on or about March 1.

"My parents and I see this as a fitting and natural step in the growth and evolution of our company, first from a small startup in the bedroom of my childhood home in Pennsylvania, then to an independent vibrant brand, and now to an integrated brand with Knoll, where it all began," said Peter Schultz, President of Richard Shultz Design.

The company, which maintains a flagship showroom at the DDB, sells the iconic 1966 Schultz Leisure Line and 1960 Petal Table Collection, originally designed for Knoll, as well as contemporary outdoor furniture designs. Its designs are included in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Check back with GoDesignGo tomorrow for more on Richard Schultz's legacy and the company's future.

Fall Market Buzz: Market Lunch to Preview Mariaflora Fabrics at Richard Schultz

The DDB's upcoming Fall Market continues to pack an amazing lineup. Fall Market 2011, themed Transcending Boundaries, is loaded with keynotes, product releases and showroom celebrations and now you can add the Mariaflora Lunch & Learn to your planner, too.

Italian in-outdoor fabric company, Mariaflora, previews the newest collection of in-outdoor fabrics made in Italy. Ellen Letchinger, National Sales Manager of Mariaflora, will introduce the collection that just debuted in Paris at Maison O'bject.

The event will take place Wednesday, October 12 from noon to 1:30 p.m. Richard Schultz Design (Suite 1523) at the DDB.