BAYSHORE, N.Y—Another small fabric wholesaler has been gobbled up, this time by Duralee Fabrics, Ltd. which has confirmed the purchase of the B. Berger family of companies from Rellig, Inc., the parent company, based in Macedonia, O, a suburb of Cleveland.

Duralee sales are believed to be well in excess of $100 milllion while B. Berger is under $20 milllion, though these figures could not be confirmed. B. Berger’s purchase price was not discussed.

Over the past year, several companies were rumored to be purchasing B. Berger but Duralee was the only successful bidder. Lee Giller is president of B. Berger and Ms. Tim Graham is the well known head of design for B. Berger. It is not yet known what roles these executives will play in the new set up. Len Silberman is chairman and Martin Rosenberger is president of Duralee. Neither could be reached for this breaking story.

The purchase includes B. Berger Fabrics, Bailey & Griffin Fabrics, as well as B. Berger’s three drapery hardware lines, including the higher end Chase & Company Drapery Hardware.  In fact, these hardware lines were the driving force behind the success of B. Berger   while the fabric lines, though well crafted, over the years became less important in the overall scheme of the business, sources said.

“For more than 80 years, B. Berger’s fabric and trim archives have offered the finest in color, texture and styling, making it the perfect supplement to the Duralee product line,” said a Duralee spokesperson.  

In addition, B. Berger has excelled in the drapery hardware business, becoming one of the largest drapery hardware distributors in the country.  This allows Duralee the opportunity to add hardware to their already extensive product offerings of fabric, furniture and trimmings. 

“In combining B. Berger’s longstanding reputation of fine product and outstanding customer service with Duralee’s exceptional showroom network and sales force, Duralee expects to take the previously underexposed brand to new levels in the marketplace,” a Duralee source said. About 60 agent showrooms represent B. Berger lines in the USA, Canada, London, Mexico and Australia.

Rumors of the sale were strongest three months ago when B. Berger closed its 58^th Street, New York showroom, its only showroom outside of corporate headquarters. At that time, Lee Giller told Fabrics & Furnishings International there was no deal and it was business as usual. What a difference 90 days can make.

A follow up story will appear in the winter issue of Fabrics & Furnishings International