Dezeen Magazine

Fritz Hansen showroom in Shanghai

Danish furniture brand Fritz Hansen acquires Skagerak

Danish furniture brand Fritz Hansen has purchased fellow Danish furniture company Skagerak and will now add outdoor furniture to its range of products.

Skagerak, which was founded in Denmark in 1976, was purchased by Fritz Hansen as part of its "ambitious" growth strategy that aims to "strengthen distribution channels and showrooms across Asia, central Europe and North America".

No financial details of the acquisition of the company that designs and manufactures furniture for indoors and outdoors were revealed.

"Skagerak and Fritz Hansen are a natural fit"

The purchase of Skagerak means Fritz Hansen will now sell outdoor furniture in addition to its existing furniture, lighting and accessories.

Among Skagerak's products are pieces such as the indoor-outdoor furniture collection Lily, which was designed in collaboration with Danish architecture firm BIG.

"Skagerak and Fritz Hansen are a natural fit," Fritz Hansen CEO Josef Kaiser said.

"Both are rooted in Nordic design traditions and responsible manufacturing and synonymous with furniture and interior design of the highest quality. With the acquisition of Skagerak we can now offer our customers, private and professional, a larger product offering whilst strengthening our business in our home market as well as internationally."

Fritz Hansen explanding globally

Skagerak's CEO Jesper Panduro said the acquisition gives Skagerak a "perfect home".

"Skagerak stands for longevity and responsibility when it comes to design and aesthetics, ensuring the products we make will last for generations," he said.

"We are very happy to become part of the Fritz Hansen family and a company with an outstanding reputation, a strong culture and a long-term perspective. We have found the perfect home for Skagerak."

Fritz Hansen is currently expanding globally and recently opened a showroom in Shanghai to be its newest outpost in China.

The brand has worked with numerous well-known designers, including Nendo and Vico Magistretti, which have both launched chairs together with the Danish company.

Main image of Fritz Hansen's Shanghai showroom is courtesy of Fritz Hansen