TORONTO (27 April 2012) - Canadian bedding specialist Spring Air Sommex Corporation (SAS) has taken control of rival Natura World Inc., including exclusive rights to its brands throughout North America and its manufacturing operation in nearby Cambridge, Ontario.

The terms of the acquisition were not announced but the transaction has closed.

SAS produces bedding under the Sommex and ObusForme labels out of its facilities here as well as in Trois-Rivières, Quebec and Winnipeg, Manitoba.

"We are excited to be part of the continued growth of Natura," Valerie Stranix, SAS chief marketing officer said in a statement. "Natura has a beautiful natural product line and a unique position in the market with premium quality latex mattresses, pillows and wool toppers."

SAS said it plans to operate Natura as a separate division that will continue to use its existing facility in Cambridge.

Natura World sought protection under the Bankruptcy & Insolvency Act this past December. At the time, company president and co-founder Ralph Rossdeutscher said that action was needed to enable the privately-held bedding specialist to devise a plan to pay down the debt it acquired to support its expansion plans in the U.S. market.

Neither Natura World USA - its Texas-based operation - nor its NexGel subsidiary, which it acquired in 2009, was affected by the B&I filing.

"I'm looking forward to this next stage in our growth and the opportunity to again focus on our customers and retailers that have been so supportive," Rossdeutscher said.

Rossdeutscher will join SAS as executive vice president in charge of the new Natura division. Stranix said he will continue to develop the brand and its product line as well as work with major customers.

"SAS' reputation for excellence in service, quality craftsmanship and shipment accuracy will greatly benefit the Natura brand and its customers," added Ed Farquharson, SAS executive vice president of sales.