LHC Sleeping Well After Sealy Victory

Furniture World Magazine

Long Haymes Carr (Interpublic Group of Companies) announced that it has been named agency of record for Sealy Corporation. The Trinity, NC-based bedding manufacturer began a review earlier this summer after releasing Leo Burnett (Chicago) from its roster. "We are thrilled to be working with Sealy," said Steve Zades, chairman/ceo of LHC. "They are a category leader, ready to take the brand to the next level, We are going to do great work together." "LHC showed us that they are, hands down, the beat agency for us," said Ron Jones, chairman of Sealy Corporation. "The display of creativity, integrated across the line, was unparalleled, It is going to be a terrific partnership! LHC will be working with each of Sealy's four brands (Sealy, Sealy Posturepedic, Sealy Posturepedic Crown Jewel, and Stearns & Foster) creating integrated communications programs including: general advertising, media, interactive,' direct marketing, publicity, retail and design. Billings are estimated to be in excess of $20 million. Sealy Corporation is the largest manufacturer of bedding in North America. Through its subsidiaries, Sealy has manufacturing operations in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and Mexico, and has 10 international licenses , two international joint ventures, and distributors serving markets around the globe. The Company produces and sells a complete line of mattresses and foundations, including those marketed under the SEALY ®, SEALY POSTUREPEDIC 0, SEALY POSTUREPEDIC CROWN JEWEL, and STEARNS & FOSTER brand names. Long Haymes Carr, founded in 1949, is one of the top 50 agencies in the country. Since Mr. Zades took the CEO reigns in 1995, the agency has grown more than 200% with billings today in excess $360 million and over 220 employees- The current client roster includes AMP, BellSouth, Champion, Hanes, Jimmy Dean, Nabisco, R. J. Reynolds, Stren Fishing Lines, Thomasville Furniture Industries, Wachovia and Zatarain's.