The Framers Forum

Crescent have bought Neilsen Bainbridge

Keith, we’re you really up at 4.19am to bring us this news? When do you sleep?!

On a serious note, what impact do you think this news will have on UK framers?

Crikey.

That's quite interesting. Neilsen Brainbridge and Larson Juhl have been battling each other for years for market share and there have been times when Neilsen Bainbridge mountboard stock have been in short supply, because the American market has been taking priority. Now with the massive resources of Crescent behind Neilsen Bainbridge, it will be interesting to see, what this will mean for this battle for market share.

Crescent are one of the biggest manufacturers of cardboard boxes in the world and there mountboard production, is only a small part of their overall business. In fact they are a truly massive and world leading business, so perhaps any limitations on the part of Neilsen Bainbridge mat be about to benefit from the resources and backing from Crescent.

I would be surprised, if any of us saw this news coming. It certain came as a big surprise to me.

Gesso&Bole wrote: Tue 26 Jan, 2021 8:29 am Keith, we’re you really up at 4.19am

Morning Gesso & Bole
Yes I am really up early. I have a routine that suits me
Wide awake at 4 am - get loads done. And I can speak with both USA and Asia at this time
But will admit I do have a nap after lunch

Not qualified to say how these changes will impact UK framers
There are others on this forum in a much better position to make future predictions

Not your average framer wrote: Tue 26 Jan, 2021 12:47 pm

Crescent are one of the biggest manufacturers of cardboard boxes in the world

Mark, Crescent DONT make any boxes.

Really! I was told that they owned a really massive box making comany.

The following is a small section from a blog on Crescent’s website:

Crescent Brands will operate as a portfolio company that will utilize its resources to manufacture, supply, promote and support brands such as Crescent, Bainbridge, Nielsen, Nurre Caxton, and more. We are making this change due to our respect and admiration for the Nielsen, Bainbridge and Nurre Caxton brands. We intend to operate these brands independently to keep continuity in the products many have come to know and love.

If that is correct it should hopefully mean no change to UK operations.

Not your average framer wrote: Tue 26 Jan, 2021 12:47 pm

I would be surprised, if any of us saw this news coming. It certain came as a big surprise to me.

Not for me and many others involved in the wonderful world of framing.
Sycamore Partners are not in manufacturing and have been trying to sell the framing part of NBG Home for a year.
www.sycamorepartners.com They have around USD 10 billion in assets.

This should give you al ink to the You Tube film that Crescent made today about thier NB acquisition. Hope Ive got it right
Its obviously aimed at the USA framing audience, although there is a brief mention of NB in Germany. No mention of the UK NB biz at Diss.

From my understanding Crescent has bought the US side of the business and under a separate transaction the current leadership team in Germany have bought the European side of the business. Effectively creating 2 separate business, but with strong ties (such as a European distribution agreement with the new owners of NB USA.

From the interview - what are chip specifiers?

Hi Baughen,

Chip specifiers - see 2 pics. Sorry they are sideways!

2cm squares of actual mount boards.
Cost a fortune to make and consequently always never enough. Probably best way to get one is to ask the mfg direct.

I’m still using an old colour chart of Crescent’s, that I’ve had since 2015, because it’s got paper swatches in. I’ve got another Crescent colour chart, which I got in 2018, which has printed colours and - I'm sorry to say - isn’t worth the paper it’s printed on. If I didn’t have the 2015 chart, I wouldn’t use any Crescent boards. I don’t use Neilsen Bainbridge mountboard because the only colour charts I’ve got for them is a printed brochure. All credit to those mountboard manufacturers who have the marketing sense to produce swatch charts for framers! They don't have to be chips as far as I'm concerned. The only time a paper swatch isn't ideal is with black core mountboard, because with the pale colours, the black substrate shows through. But I can live with that