Upholstery manufacturer Whitemeadow has reached an agreement with administrator Interpath to acquire the exclusive intellectual property and design rights for the full portfolio of independent product ranges previously produced by Westbridge Furniture.
The agreement follows the liquidation of Westbridge, one of the UK’s long-established furniture manufacturers, which was widely recognised for its focus on comfort, quality and dependable upholstery.
Whitemeadow identified strong commercial value in the Westbridge independent portfolio, which is widely ranged across independent furniture retailers throughout the UK and Ireland. Many of these retailers already work with Whitemeadow, while others represent an opportunity to develop new relationships and provide continuity on well-established products, says the purchaser.
"Both companies share a reputation for comfort-led design and consistent quality, creating a natural synergy between the Westbridge portfolio and Whitemeadow’s existing collections and their manufacturing skillset," Whitemeadow continues. "The addition of these ranges will complement Whitemeadow’s core offering, broadening the overall portfolio with commercially proven designs that are familiar to both retailers and consumers.
"Whitemeadow will also be doing all it can to support retailers who currently have Westbridge floor displays already in situ. The company will be contacting customers directly to provide clarity on which products will be prioritised for immediate development, helping ensure continuity wherever possible."
Whitemeadow's sales and marketing director Daniel Oscroft comments: “This is clearly a very sad situation for a well-respected British manufacturer and for the many talented people who have been affected. Westbridge has built a strong reputation over many years and were a big contributor to our industry in many ways.
"Our focus now is on supporting retailers who have successfully traded these ranges, building on the success we already have across the independent sector. We remain totally committed to British manufacturing and to continuing to invest in product design that delivers both quality and strong commercial appeal for our customers.”
A structured development programme will now begin, initially focusing on four key models, with the first reintroductions expected to reach the market as early as next month. Further ranges are planned to be reintroduced throughout the autumn, and will feature at next year's January Furniture Show, the sofamaker concludes.
Pictured: Lacey, a Westbridge bestseller
