18 August 2006
Ownership Of Wools Of New Zealand Brand Changes Hands
The board of the Wool Research Organisation of New Zealand Inc (Wool Research) announced today that it had purchased the
Wool Interiors division from Canesis.
Wool Interiors administers the widely-recognised Wools of New Zealand brand which is licensed to manufacturers of New
Zealand wool floor coverings around the world. Wool Interiors also delivers in-market support, technical advice and
carpet technologies to New Zealand wool users, predominantly for carpet applications. The R capability of Wool Interiors will remain within Canesis.
“Wool Interiors’ marketing capability offers Wool Research the opportunity to add value to the New Zealand Wool industry
and the recently formed Wool Industry Network through the targeted support it provides in key export markets around the
world,” says Wool Research Chairman Mr Mike Peterson. Wool Interiors works with more than 140 licensed manufacturing
partners located around the world who market Wools of New Zealand branded carpet and rug ranges, through more than
10,000 retailers. Canesis chairman Dr Andy Pearce said the board was pleased that Wool Interiors had been purchased by
Wool Research which would continue to promote the visibility of the Wools of New Zealand brand internationally.
“The sale of Wool Interiors is consistent with Canesis’ strategy to re-focus its business as an R provider specialising in fibrous proteins, bio-based materials and innovative textiles,” says Dr Pearce.
Canesis will continue to undertake wool research projects on behalf of Wool Research and Meat & Wool New Zealand.
Despite the change of ownership, both Canesis and Wool Research see a continued close relationship between Wool
Interiors and Canesis.
ENDS