Jeff Linville
Specializes in French and Victorian styles

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Bankrupt Harris Furniture Reproductions here is for sale.

The full-line, midpriced manufacturer has retained investment banker Equity Partners Inc. to handle the sale. Once a division of Kimball, Harris was spun off in 1990 to current owner Bob Harris, a lawyer. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in mid-February.

Harris specializes in French and Victorian styles, and by 1999 had acquired three other companies in the same niche. In 1999, all operations were consolidated into the facility here. The company has shown at the Tupelo, Miss., market, but wasn’t there in February.

EPI described Harris as an absentee owner for the past four years, but one who wants to see the company continue and grow.

“This business deserves full-time attention, and someone with some strengths in marketing and sales,” said Harris. “Unfortunately, I can’t give it either.”

Five years ago, the company had 130 workers and now employs 43, with an average service time of 18.5 years.

Harris product is sold nationwide by 24 independent sales representative companies to about 800 retail accounts, and to hotels and governments. The main plant here is 124,540 square feet, with four smaller buildings for cut and sew, lumber storage and marble tabletop fabrication.

The main lines are Kingsley, a leading name in French provincial furniture since 1925, and Carlton McLendon, a well-known Victorian reproduction line started in 1931.

Ken Mann, a EPI partner, said Harris is a viable company and isn’t losing money at this time. Thus, a liquidation of assets isn’t planned. Mann can be reached at (410) 822-0216.