Mark David/American of Martinsville Join Forces as Sister Companies

Furniture World Magazine

Hancock Park Associates, a private equity investment firm based in Los Angeles, and Mark Norcross, president of Mark David, Inc. in High Point, have joined forces to form a new holding company which has acquired American of Martinsville and Mark David, Inc. Both companies, which manufacture furniture for the hospitality industry, will continue to operate independently and under their own respective current management. Michael J. Fourticq Sr., founding partner of Hancock Park Associates, says that the new relationship between these two industry powerhouses will strengthen both companies, which will ultimately benefit their individual customer base and the industry overall. “This unique alliance will move both companies forward in their own markets,” says Fourticq. “Combining customer value, purchasing power, research and development, and multiple price points – with laser focus on the lodging market – is a win-win-win situation for each company and their respective customers.” Mark David, Inc., founded in 1991 and headquartered in High Point, is one of the world’s premier suppliers of high-end case goods to such high-profile customers as Ritz-Carlton and The Breakers hotels. The company’s attention to detail, style and quality has made it a ‘must have’ for the high-end hotel guest. With nearly 1.5 million square feet of manufacturing in the United States, China and the Philippines, Mark David is aggressive in research and development, and is dedicated to providing value to a very discriminating clientele. "This new partnership with American of Martinsville is a perfect compliment to the Mark David corporate philosophy," says Mark Norcross, CEO of Mark David. "American of Martinsville has an impeccable reputation, a highly respected product and solid management. There’s no question that this partnership makes this team the gorilla of the hospitality market." Founded in 1906 and located in Martinsville, Va., American of Martinsville is one of the world’s leading suppliers of case goods and upholstery products for the hotel industry, assisted-living facilities and the U.S. Government. The company’s Henry County (Va.) manufacturing facility covers in excess of one million square feet. CEO Noel Chitwood has led American of Martinsville since 1999, and will continue in the post. "This relationship will give American of Martinsville customers access to the experience and competitive advantages that have made Mark David a giant in their market," says Chitwood. "We look forward to being sister companies with such a prestigious name in the hospitality furnishings industry."