Leading home interiors company Gallery Direct has announced the purchase of the High Wycombe furniture manufacturer Frank Hudson, in a deal that strengthens both businesses. The purchase, which was signed today, will enable Gallery to offer an in-depth range of high quality furniture and home decor to an expanding global client base.
"This is fantastic news for Gallery's and Frank Hudson's clients in the UK and across the 16 countries with which we trade," comments Peter Delaney, MD of Gallery Direct.
"For three generations, the Frank Hudson team have crafted some of the most desirable and fashionable furniture in the market. The brand is recognised by discerning clients and is found in exclusive homes and hotels around the world. The skills and knowledge of the High Wycombe team are outstanding, and I am confident that we will maintain the heritage of the brand, whilst developing a number of collections and styles in the future that will appeal to a range of different markets."
"The uniting of two strong businesses, which are ambitious, progressive and financially secure, is good news for our employees and clients alike"
The Frank Hudson brothers, Tim, James and Tom, whose grandfather started the business back in 1955, will play active and ongoing strategic roles within Gallery Direct, which continues to grow at a fast pace. The Kent-based business, with consolidation facilities in Ningbo, China, foresees a high international demand for the Frank Hudson Collection, due to its high style and quality credentials. The sizeable design, procurement, logistics and infrastructure capabilities Gallery currently manages will be further enhanced by the knowledge and expertise of the Frank Hudson team.
"My grandfather Frank and father Rex would be proud of our business today and the direction we are now taking it," says Tim Hudson. "The uniting of two strong businesses, which are ambitious, progressive and financially secure, is good news for our employees and clients alike. We are driven by our desire to continue to offer industry-leading design and quality that differentiates us within the furniture and home accessories market."
This will be demonstrated during the forthcoming furniture show at the May Design Series taking place from 18-20th May at ExCeL, London, where the new Hudson Living Collection will be launched, alongside the Gallery Home range.
“It is business as usual for our colleagues, suppliers and clients,” comments Tim, “as we look forward to continuing our strong working relationships, whilst crafting wonderful furniture for generations to come. We want people to buy Gallery and Frank Hudson furniture and love it for the rest of their lives!”
"We want people to buy Gallery and Frank Hudson furniture and love it for the rest of their lives!”
"This is an exciting time for the new business, and I am delighted to be heading up business development for the furniture division," adds James Hudson. "We have a plan to develop an exciting new range of mid- to top-tier furniture that continues with the Frank Hudson and Gallery tradition of manufacturing quality, value-for-money pieces that are fashionable, yet classic in their design. I'm looking forward to developing our brands further, including the new Hudson Living Collection, across our UK and international customer base."
The two businesses have agreed an undisclosed sum in a private sale which will see a strengthened product offer and growth by design-led product development.
Read more about Gallery Direct in the May issue of Furniture News magazine.
