OUTDOOR LIVING BRANDS; Two of Nation's Largest Outdoor Living Companies Join Forces

Two of the nation's largest outdoor living companies -- Archadeck and Outdoor Lighting Perspectives (OLP) -- have joined forces, creating a new company that will pursue global expansion in the outdoor products and services category through multiple independent franchise brands.

The new company -- Outdoor Living Brands -- will be headquartered in Richmond, Va., the current home of Archadeck and will support more than 150 existing Archadeck and OLP franchise locations worldwide.

"This transaction creates a larger organization with the financial resources and expanded expertise needed to strengthen support for existing franchise owners," said Chris Grandpre, president and chief executive officer of Archadeck and of the newly formed Outdoor Living Brands.

"At the same time, our new company provides a strong foundation to pursue the introduction of additional branded, franchise offerings in the outdoor living category," he continued. "Our vision is that Outdoor Living Brands will become the preeminent leader in branded outdoor offerings through a top-notch franchise company."

Franchise owners of Archadeck, the largest designer-builder of decks, porches and outdoor living spaces, and OLP, the leader in residential outdoor lighting systems, will continue to operate under their existing brand names. Outdoor Living Brands will serve as the umbrella corporate brand, according to Scott Zide, vice president with OLP and chief operating officer of the newly formed company.

"Existing Archadeck and OLP franchises will continue under current franchise agreements, served by the same corporate franchise support staffs," Zide said. "The merger will allow us to develop new opportunities for our owners in national advertising, promotions, cross selling, trade alliances and national accounts."

According to the owners of privately held Archadeck and OLP, the initial focus of the new organization will be to assure a smooth transition for franchise owners. OLP, which has 11 employees at its Charlotte, N.C. headquarters, will consolidate operations in Archadeck's Richmond location.

Products and services for outdoor living have grown rapidly during recent years, with homeowners investing substantially in outdoor living spaces that are as stylish, comfortable and well appointed as interior spaces. A goal of Outdoor Living Brands will be to provide consumers with easier access to the growing array of branded products and services that enhance outdoor living.

"Archadeck and OLP are leaders in their respective categories," Grandpre said. "Both companies have long track records of providing quality products and services, while extending exemplary support to their respective franchise owners. This merger will empower our organizations to leverage each other's strengths and best practices for the benefit of our franchisees and the homeowners they serve."

On the Web at www.outdoorlivingbrands.com .

Founded in 1980, Archadeck is the premier deck and porch builder with approximately 75 offices in the U.S. and Canada that have completed more than 70,000 custom projects. During 2007, the company was ranked among the top 10 in Qualified Remodeler magazine's list of leading national remodeling companies. On the Web at www.archadeck.com .

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives (OLP) is a global provider of residential outdoor lighting systems, including lighting design, installation and maintenance. Operating through 80 independent franchisees around the world, OLP has redefined the outdoor lighting category through the application of innovative lighting designs and eco-friendly technologies. On the Web at www.outdoorlights.com .

Keywords: Outdoor Living Brands.

This article was prepared by Marketing Business Weekly   editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2008, Marketing Business Weekly   via VerticalNews.com.