GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) - Steelcase Inc. the nation's largest office
furniture maker, plans to acquire Custom Cable Industries Inc., a designer,
manufacturer and installer of data and voice cabling.
Steelcase is scheduled to announce Thursday that it has entered into an
agreement to purchase Custom, according to a news release. The transaction is
expected to be completed by Aug. 24 and terms were not disclosed.
Steelcase, which is based in Grand Rapids, said the acquisition will enhance
its ability to develop products that integrate architecture, furniture and
technology.
``By leveraging our knowledge of the workplace, Steelcase can now extend the
flexible aspects of furniture into the building's infrastructure,'' said Dave
Levitt, general manager for Steelcase Technology Infrastructure products.
``Customers benefit from modular architectural power and communications cabling
systems.
``When you combine these with a comprehensive portfolio of lighting,
furniture, walls and floors, it adds up to an integrated, holistic work
environment that's both user-focused and a smart investment for the building
owner or tenant.''
Rick Watson, executive vice president of Custom, said the deal will provide
his Tampa, Fla.-based company with an opportunity to offer its goods and
services on a nationwide basis.
Custom, founded in 1980, is a regional leader in the structured-cable
installation industry and a manufacturer of network-cable assemblies for the
data and telecommunications industries. It has about 220 employees at three
locations in Florida.
Steelcase has more than 20,000 employees at more than 30 locations around the
world.