Herman Miller Acquires Knoll in the Design Industry’s Biggest Merger Ever
It’s the surprise wedding that changed the design world forever. Last month, Herman Miller announced that it was acquiring Knoll for $1.8 billion, a merger of two giants that will create a $3.6 billion behemoth and reshape the industry in the process. Swept up in the union is the constellation of subsidiary brands owned by the companies, ranging from stalwarts like Maharam and Holly Hunt to upstart D2C brands like Muuto and Fully (not to mention DWR, Edelman Leather and Hay).
Somewhat lost in the enormity of the transaction is the shock factor. For decades, Herman Miller and Knoll have been heated rivals, competing for similar customers and, in some cases, bidding against each other to acquire the same brands. The merger is no bland strategic alignment—it’s like the Yankees buying the Red Sox.
In the commercial design world, Herman Miller + Knoll has been the only subject of conversation for the past four weeks. The residential side has been slightly less riled up by the merger—but still, it’s big news. To get a read on the situation, Business of Home spoke with seven experts from various corners of the industry about the implications of the acquisition.
