Haworth Lifestyle Looks to the Future: Expansion and New Acquisitions in 2025
Milan’s Premier Design Player on the Move
Haworth Lifestyle, the parent of renowned European furniture brands such as Poltrona Frau, Cassina, Cappellini, and Zanotta, is setting its sights on an ambitious expansion strategy aimed at solidifying its foothold in the market. With major shifts in the industry landscape, Haworth is not just planning to grow; it’s poised to thrive.
A Strategic Edge in the Competitive Landscape
With Flos B&B Italia reportedly considering the sale of parts of its operation, Haworth Lifestyle is taking proactive measures to seize market opportunities in the European design sphere. This move places them in a strategically advantageous position, ready to capitalize on the unfolding dynamics of the furniture industry.
A Fresh Vision with Organizational Reformation
At a recent press luncheon coinciding with the exciting Design Week, the Milan-based group unveiled a comprehensive reorganization plan that signals a new era for the brand. CEO Dario Rinero elaborated on the transformation, stating, “We have streamlined the structure of our holding company, not only to enhance operational efficiency but also to lay the groundwork for further growth. We are approaching the significant milestone of 1 billion euros in revenue, and we want to be prepared for this next chapter.”
Divisions of Distinction: Tailored Management for Enhanced Success
Introducing Internal Divisions
To align with their growth strategy, Haworth Lifestyle is now grouping its offerings into distinct divisions:
Luxury Division: Led by Nicola Coropulis, this division includes prestigious brands like Poltrona Frau and Ceccotti.
Design Division: Under the guidance of Luca Fuso, this division encompasses Cassina, Zanotta, and Cappellini, aiming to capture the essence of modern design.
Industrial Division: Spearheaded by Ervino Riccobon, this division will manage bespoke ventures such as Poltrona Frau Interiors in Motion and the recently integrated KJ Ryan Ltd. from the UK.
- Retail Division: Managed by Stefano Cazzaniga, it will focus on luxury retailers such as Luminaire in the U.S. market and Interni in Europe and the Middle East.
Rinero emphasized the forward-thinking nature of this structure, remarking, “These divisions will seamlessly integrate any future acquisitions, bolstering our growth trajectory.”
Strategic Partnerships on the Horizon
In terms of licensing, Luxury Living Group, spearheaded by Andrea Gentilini, remains a pivotal player within the organization. They are enhancing their product offerings, having recently struck a long-term partnership with U.S.-based Ralph Lauren, aimed at amplifying the production and distribution of Ralph Lauren’s Italian-made furniture.
Ralph Lauren Furniture (Carter Berg/WWD)
The Broader Context: Haworth’s Growing Presence
Haworth Lifestyle is anchored in the Haworth Group, headquartered in Holland, Michigan, which recorded an impressive $2.5 billion in sales for 2024—a consistent performance compared to the previous year. This restructuring is key as Haworth now operates under two main branches: Haworth Lifestyle and Haworth Commercial.
In recent months, reports surfaced indicating that Haworth has made informal offers ranging between 800 million and 1 billion euros for Flos B&B Italia’s furniture division, highlighting its aggressive approach to expansion in a competitive market.
Navigating the Complicated Landscape of European Design
Despite the challenging economic environment, acquisitions have been rife in the European furniture and lighting markets. For instance, the company Dexelance—formerly known as Design Brands—recorded a 4.3% revenue increase, recently securing a stake in the outdoor furniture brand Roda while also expanding its majority share in luxury furniture brand Turri.
In a notable acquisition, Nemo Group, led by lighting entrepreneur Federico Palazzari, has recently acquired Fontana Arte and Driade, further diversifying its portfolio within the design realm.
The Future Beckons
As Haworth Lifestyle embarks on this exciting journey of expansion and evolution, it showcases not only its commitment to innovation but also a deep understanding of market dynamics. With careful planning and strategic acquisitions, the brand is set to redefine its influence on the European design landscape while continuing to resonate with consumers who crave quality and distinctive style.
For more on the intersection of design and market trends, read our comprehensive analyses on sites like WWD.
