Tarkett Acquires Resilient Flooring Firm Centiva

Chagrin Falls, OH, Dec. 1, 2010 -- Tarkett said it has acquired luxury resilient flooring maker Centiva from International Floors of America, Inc.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Centiva founder and CEO Thomas Trissl will continue as president of the Centiva business unit, and will be part of the Tarkett management team.

Centiva, sells into the corporate, hospitality, healthcare and education, retail and residential sectors.

“As we continue to work in strengthening the experience our customers enjoy with our brands, we will make strategic choices that complement our existing efforts and strengthen our positions in key categories,” said Jeff Buttitta, president of Tarkett North America.

“The Centiva acquisition is a significant example of our commitment due to the growing demand for high design resilient flooring in North America and Centiva’s focus on developing customers for life through a satisfying service experience.

“Centiva fits so well within our business beliefs and philosophies."

Trissl created Centiva in 1996.

Trissl and Centiva also developed the Green Way, a holistic approach to green stewardship, an approach similar to Tarkett’s Balanced Choice practice.

“As we learned about the similarities in business models, we were excited to become part of Tarkett,” Trissl said.

With the acquisition of Centiva as well as its separate NAFCO brand and operations, Tarkett becomes one of the largest domestic manufacturers of LVT products in North America.

Centiva will continue to operate as a separate brand within Tarkett’s North American portfolio, maintaining distinct manufacturing and business operations in Florence, Alabama, where Centiva employs over 100 people.

Tarkett said it has no intention of changing the focus of the brand, nor its routes to market.