Willis & Gambier parent eyes Italian sofa firm Incanto Divani

22nd January | supply | Italian upholstery manufacturer Incanto Divani has emerged as an acquisition target for Chinese furniture giant Samson Holdings - the company that bought Willis & Gambier out of administration late last year.

The Furnishing Report understands from a number of sources in the UK and Italy that talks are ongoing between senior executives of the two firms and it is thought that the Italian company will be a willing seller if Samson can meet its valuation.

Speaking at Interiors Birmingham this week, Willis & Gambier md Mark Symes wouldn’t confirm that Incanto specifically was a target, but did say that Samson was looking at making further acquisitions.

‘We are looking at a number of companies in Europe, including the UK, both in the upholstery and cabinet sectors,’ he said.

The Birmingham show was Willis & Gambier’s first outing since its takeover last year. Symes told the Furnishing Report that the firm had taken orders worth over £1.3m at the show, up from less than £500,000 last year.

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