Emess, Stein World merge, acquire lampshade maker

Lighting manufacturer Emess Design Group has merged with accent furniture supplier Stein World, and purchased lampshade maker Nicole Corporation.

The consolidation is a move to expand the lighting company's product offerings and market share in home decor, according to George R. McLaughlin, chairman of EDG/SW Holdings, the privately held parent corporation created by the merger.

Ellwood City, Pa.-based Emess Design Group is the designer, producer and marketer of Alsy, Cresswell, Baldwin and Norman Perry Lighting, and holds several licenses including Norman Rockwell, Trading Spaces, Coca-Cola and Nascar.

Memphis, Tenn.-based Stein World is a leading designer and supplier of hand-painted and finished accent furniture. Stein World has extensive distribution through independent furniture, department and accent specialty stores.

Emess and Stein World ownership groups have remained with the new entity and no management changes will be made in conjunction with the transactions.

"We look forward to offering lighting products and enhanced direct import opportunities to our customer base," Stein World President Andy Stein said.

The group also completed the acquisition of Nicole Corporation from partners Jim Prexta, Ralph Loje and Michael Loje. Each will continue in the Nicole division of Emess Design Group with Prexta serving as president.

The Cleveland, Ohio-based lampshade manufacturer has been designing and supplying lampshades for more than 30 years.

Nicole markets lampshades primarily under the brand name of J. Alexander, along with various private labels for major retailers and mass merchants.

"This combination allows us to bring lampshade and accent furniture products to our mass merchant customers for the first time," said Michael Smith, president of Emess Design Group.