The curious rumours pushing Europe's largest bedding firm out of business
Europe’s largest bedding company, the French group Cauval, has recently been hit by a campaign of rumours that it is in imminent danger of bankruptcy. As a result, the company, whose products are sold under the trademarks of Dunlopillo, Simmons and Treca, has come under strong financial pressure from wary suppliers and its retail store clients. The rumours began in earnest after a major French retail chain, But, ordered its franchise stores to remove Cauval products from their 2015 catalogue. While the rumours gained ground, one of But’s principle shareholders, a London-based equity firm, expressed its ‘potential’ interest in buying up Cauval. Martine Orange reports on a disturbing tale that now threatens 3,000 jobs.
LastLast December, French group Cauval, the largest bedding company in Europe, better known for its brand names Dunlopillo, Simmons and Treca, observed a sudden drop in orders. It was an unusual time of the year for such a trend given the imminent winter cut-price sales when furniture and bedding stores prepare for a particularly busy period.
