FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

THE ENCORE GROUP ACQUIRES UNITED DESIGN CORPORATION

 

WINSTON-SALEM, NC / SAN DIEGO, CA - The Encore Group, a diversified gift and custom product company based in San Diego and Winston-Salem, has announced the acquisition of United Design Corporation of Noble, Oklahoma. The acquisition is being effected by a merger of the two companies.

Richard Snow, president and CEO of The Encore Group, said, "We are delighted to have a company such as United Design added to the Encore family. The United Design name, along with its brands, such as Frame?ology®, Stone Garden®, and Stone Critters®, add to the already formidable list of brands within the Encore Group. Having Charterhouse as an investor in Encore, and their representation on our board, is an additional plus that provides Encore access to Charterhouse's vast experience and resources."

Mr. Snow further added, "With this acquisition, Encore takes another step in its plan to build a strong consumer-based gift company recognized within its industry as a leader in quality, customer service, and creativity."

Eldridge C. Hanes, Chairman of Encore Group, said, "We, the Encore team, are delighted to have a company with the history and reputation of United Design become a part of our exciting growth plans. United Design brings many fine professionals to our team and a name recognized for its quality and innovation. We welcome all of the fine folks from United Design into our family, plus our new corporate partner, Charterhouse Group."

Paul Mullan, Chairman of United Design stated, "We are very pleased to be partnering with The Encore Group and feel that this combination enhances the strengths of each of our companies and creates a very strong player in the giftware industry with an attractive set of brands and managerial talent."

The Encore Group was founded more than a decade ago, and now includes such recognized names as XPRES®, Rawcliffe®, Papel Giftware® and Living Stone®; as well as Encore's proprietary lines that provide a wide range of licensed and original designs.

United Design's majority shareholder is an affiliate of Charterhouse Group, Inc., a New York-based private equity firm that manages approximately $1.7 billion in capital.

For more information, contact The Encore Group at 111 Cloverleaf Dr., Winston-Salem, NC 27103, phone 1-800-334-0426.

 

###

 

 

For more information, contact:

 

Patrice Campbell Shaw Associates

Pat Shaw -- (815) 334-9019,  E-mail: patcshaw@aol.com

Dena Sanderson - (630) 548-5015, E-mail: denasanderson@earthlink.net

 

The Encore Group

Myra Smith - (800) 334-0426, E-mail: msmith@the-encore-group.com