KREFELD, Germany -- KOS, a major contract specialist in Europe since it was founded 11 years ago, was sold in September, 2011 and is now under the management of Thomas Berndt, previously head of contract textiles at JAB in Bielefeld, Germany.

The price Berndt paid for his 50 percent interest in KOS is not known. He bought his share of the company from Friedhelm Oelpenich Schmitz, KOS founder, who retired after he sold his interest. The remaining half of the business was owned by Peter Kaufmann (no relation to P/Kaufmann, the American converting firm) who also sold his shares to another unnamed partner to Berndt. Kaufmann stays with KOS until June 1.

Other than the firm Bautex, KOS is the largest contract specialist in Germany today. KOS focuses on high end textiles for the hospitality industry and sells its complete collection through JAB and other European editeurs.