Pulaski Furniture Purchases Samuel Lawrence Furniture

Furniture World Magazine

Goldner Hawn Johnson & Morrison, a Minneapolis-based private equity firm, has announced the sale of Samuel Lawrence Furniture Company (SLF) to Pulaski, Va.-based Pulaski Furniture. A Phoenix, Ariz.-based designer and marketer of high quality residential wood furniture, SLF is being merged with Pulaski Furniture to form a new holding company called Home Meridian International. Goldner Hawn acquired SLF in 1997 and helped its management transform the company from a predominantly U.S.-based furniture manufacturer to a global one focusing on design, sourcing and marketing. "SLF has become a leader in the globalization of the furniture industry," said Gary Obermiller, managing director of Goldner Hawn. "SLF has developed world class supply chain, quality and product development systems that have resulted in good returns for our investors and will help position Home Meridian International as a top-20 furniture company." The sale of SLF is Goldner Hawn's second realization in 2006, the seventh and final one from its 1996 Marathon Fund III, and its 19th since inception in 1989. Goldner Hawn managing director, Mike Israel, and vice president, Jason Brass, worked with Obermiller on the transaction. Greene Holcomb & Fisher LLC represented Goldner Hawn as its financial advisor in the sale process. Goldner Hawn: Founded in Minneapolis in 1989, Goldner Hawn invests in seasoned, middle-market companies that have capable management teams, distinct market advantages and clear growth potential. The approach of keeping management teams of acquired companies in place, and a history of holding investments for five years or more, makes Goldner Hawn unique in its industry. Goldner Hawn has made 26 private equity investments through the company's Marathon Funds and has established long-term relationships with many of America's leading financial institutions to support its investments. Goldner Hawn investments have total transaction values exceeding $2.5 billion. Its current investment fund, Marathon Fund V, has committed capital of $255 million. Investments by Goldner Hawn in 2006 include Allen-Edmonds Shoe Corporation, Houlihan's Restaurants, Transport Corporation of America and Westlake (ACE) Hardware Stores. More information about the company is available online at www.ghjm.com.