Herman Miller buys a stake in Hay

The Mags Sofa, from Hay

Published by
Andrew McDonald
June 14, 2018

It’s a new future for Herman Miller and Hay, with the former acquiring a 33 per cent interest in the acclaimed Danish brand.

Herman Miller has revealed that it has acquired a 33% stake in Danish furniture and accessories brand Hay. Founded in 2002, Hay is an Indesign favourite and has grown into a global empire renowned in the design community – a trait shred by Herman Miller. The 33% equity was purchased in a $66 million (USD) deal

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Hay is known for its work with designers and specifiers across the globe, offering over 180 furniture pieces and 350 accessories. Channelling classic Scandinavian aesthetics with a clean, pared back colour palette, Hay’s been a favourite in both homes and the modern office environment for years now.

For what this acquisition practically; Herman Miller in the US will be rolling out the Hay product suite to their American retails arm Design Within Reach as well as launching an all new e-store before the year’s end.

“With more workplaces and commercial spaces adopting a residential feel, the opportunity to offer quality designs at an attainable price point is only expanding,” sais Brian Walker, Herman Miller CEO, “Adding Hay’s considerable stable of products to our ancillary offer further cements Herman Miller’s ability to deliver excellent design to customers regardless of budget or what kind of space they’re outfitting.”

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“There’s real agreement on aesthetics and business ethics between the three firms,” McPhee said. “We’re huge believers in authenticity and doing things that are original design.”

These two brands are already icons of international design, and we all know collaboration is at the heart of great design, so we can’t wait to see what this means for the future of both companies going forward.

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The Mags Sofa, from Hay