Belvedere USA Corporation announced that it is now a privately held company after completion of a purchase agreement between two senior company managers and parent company Proctor and Gamble.  Horst Ackermann was president of Belvedere USA and Barry Sanders served as vice president of finance and administration for the company when it was a subsidiary of P&G.  Their new titles are principal/chief operating officer and principal/president, respectively.

Belvedere is a leading North American manufacturer and marketer of salon and spa furnishings and equipment.  The company dates from 1927 and has always been based in Belvidere, Ill.

“We’re pleased to know that Belvedere USA’s manufacturing operations will continue to be based here in Belvidere,” stated Mark Williams, executive director of economic development organization, Growth Dimensions for Belvidere-Boone County.  The company has been a valuable corporate citizen, and we anticipate that the recent purchase will help better position Belvedere USA in the salon and spa industry.”

The structure of the company will not change under the new ownership.  Other senior Belvedere managers, including vice president of sales Larry Kane; vice president of sales, Eric Lewine; and director of marketing, Steve Wilcox, will remain with the company.  The company operates manufacturing facilities in Belvidere, Ill., and Mexicali, Mexico.  Belvedere design studios are located in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Cleveland, Washington DC, Minneapolis, Boston, Florida and Belvidere.  Belvedere USA employs 235 people. 

“This marks a new day for Belvedere USA – its employees, its customers and its brand,” said Ackermann.  “We believe that Belvedere as an company is now better positioned to serve all segments of the professional hairstylist market and an 80-year tradition of a great American company will be upheld and improved upon.”

Additionally, Ackermann said that under this new structure the company will look to expand its product offering to include the finest furnishings and equipment from European and global suppliers.  Emphasis will be placed on innovation, design and increased functionality.  These products will be available through Belvedere design centers and distributor locations.

“Our focus is on the customer and our goal is to meet the expectations of that customer quickly,” said Sanders.  “To reach that target, we will actively seek partnerships and alliances that were not feasible before.  It’s our intent to reinforce the important historical cornerstones of our products – quality, style and comfort – over the coming months.”

In October 1998, Darmstadt, Germany-based Wella AG, a global leader in hair care products sold through salons, acquired all assets of Belvedere Company from the Smith Investment Company to form Belvedere USA Corporation.  In addition to allowing both companies to operate as separate entities, this union provided Belvedere USA Corporation with new business opportunities through Wella divisions in other countries.  In 2003, Wella Corporation was acquired by Proctor and Gamble.  Wella has since become a brand under the P&G Professional Care umbrella.

About Belvedere USA Corporation

Belvedere USA Corporation is a leader in the design and manufacture of furnishings, equipment and accessories for the salon and spa industry.  Its products are marketed throughout the world.  The company, which dates from 1927, is based in Belvidere, Ill. Belvedere design studios are located in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Cleveland, Washington DC, Minneapolis, Boston, Florida and Belvidere, Ill.

*Information provided by Belvedere USA