DEALS | Family sizes up sale of Woodard LLC
BY CHERYL V. JACKSON cjackson@suntimes.com
Henry Crown and Co., an investment firm controlled by Chicago’s wealthy Crown family, is considering selling outdoor furniture maker Woodard LLC.


The $4 billion clan, which has owned the company for about 20 years, is “in discussions with potential financial and operating partners to evaluate the strategic options for Woodard,” according to a written release made by Woodard Monday. Nothing has been finalized at this time, the company said.

The firm, which also has holdings in the Chicago Bulls, the New York Yankees, ski resorts and its bedrock business, Material Service Corp., is looking at its entire portfolio of operating businesses, and earlier this year got rid of most of its golf and theater operations.

According to the company release, all segments of Woodard are growing.

“The management team fully supports the Crown family during this process of evaluation,” President Dean Engelage said. “Woodard is well-positioned for continued growth and improvement.”

Chicago-based Woodard, a CC Industries Co., makes wrought-iron, aluminum and wicker outdoor furniture.