Waregem, Belgium—Various members of the De Clerck family have reached terms on an agreement to start up a new joint industry group, the Beaulieu Interna tional Group. The parties involved are Stephan Colle of Beaulieu Kruishoutem, Dominiek De Clerck of Ter Lembeek International, Frances De Clerck of the IDEAL Group, Luc De Clerck of the Berry Floor Group and Roger De Clerck of Beaulieu Kunststoffen. “The reasons behind this partnership are the ongoing globalization of the world economy and the fact that joining forces offers added weight and strength in facing the new challenges that lie ahead as part of a broader world market,” said Roger De Clerck. “The family is seeking to lead the way in making the first steps in the imperative consolidation of the carpet industry in Europe,” he added, “in the footsteps of what has been the successful consolidation of this industry in the United States some years ago.” The newly created entity will be a group of considerable financial clout, employing a 4,781 strong workforce in eight countries, effecting a $1.68 billion turnover (consolidated 2004). The new group however, does not include Dalton-based, Beaulieu of America. “We are not part of the Beaulieu International Group,” said Ralph Boe, president and COO of the American company. “We are totally independently owned, so there is no ownership relationship between Beaulieu of America and the Beaulieu International Group, nor is there any legal arrangement or combination.” The new management team will be headed by Christophe Deroose as CEO, Dirk Dees as COO and José Nobels as legal and administrative officer. “They will be able to draw on the qualified and unconditional assistance from the family shareholders who will be making their know-how and longstanding experience to the merged group,” said De Clerck. The new conglomerate is set to be a combative alliance, “in control of each stage of the production chain,” he explained, “from the raw materials right up to the finished prod uct, enabling it to duly tackle mounting competition from abroad and thereby meet its self-stated goals and ambitions. “The new name,” said De Clerck, “stands in reference to the roots of our businesses, located along the banks of the river Leie and also reflects the group’s international identity. More than anything however, the name serves as an indication that Beaulieu International Group is set to be a closely-knit group of companies and products as a strong player with a rich history.” Noted De Clerck, the company has a new corporate mission. “Setting out from its family shareholdership and through unrelenting innovation, sustained research and advanced know-how, Beaulieu International Group aspires to cater to tomorrow’s needs and requirements held out by consumers worldwide. “In doing so,” he concluded, “Beaulieu International Group aims to market a diversified range of products based on intensive quality care, creative craftsmanship and technological superiority; from polymers, carpet fibers and yarns, across soft flooring, laminate, parquet and cushion vinyl right up to furniture upholstery.” For more on the new group, e-mail info@bintg.com. —Louis Iannaco