MacKenzie-Childs may be for sale.
The Aurora firm specializing in home decor issued a press release Wednesday indicating owner Pleasant T. Rowland will be listening to purchase offers.
“Over the years, but now with increasing frequency, various individuals have expressed interest in purchasing the company,” Rowland stated in the memo issued to employees. “I rejected all inquiries until I felt confident the company was stabilized with a sound business model and competent, experienced management team.
“I believe we are there and I am proud of the business we have built together,” she said.
Founded in 1983 by Richard and Victoria MacKenzie-Childs, the company was sold to Rowland for $5.5 million in 2001 after the company filed for bankruptcy.
“I am going to begin to explore a number of options for the future, among them discussions with people who are interested in buying the company,” Rowland wrote.
Vice President of Sales and Marketing Jennifer Ellsworth said no active conversations are taking place and there is no time frame on the possible sale.
“It's definitely exploratory at this point, so we don't have a good sense of timing ourselves,” Ellsworth said.
She could not speculate what the impact on the company's 150 employees in Aurora would be. The press release emphasized Rowland has no plans to close the facility.
“She would certainly like it to stay in Aurora,” Ellsworth said, referring to Rowland.
The Wells College alumna has invested millions of dollars in the village since 2001 through the Aurora Foundation, which is a partnership between Rowland and the college.
Mayor Thomas Gunderson took the news with a little uneasiness when reached for comment. He recalled the fears before Rowland bought the company that a buyer would take the MacKenzie-Childs name and leave town.
“There were a lot of people that probably would have lost their jobs had she not stepped in when she did,” Gunderson said, noting the company's significance as an employer and tourism draw for the village.
Staff writer Shane Liebler can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or shane.liebler@lee.net
“Over the years, but now with increasing frequency, various individuals have expressed interest in purchasing the company,” Rowland stated in the memo issued to employees. “I rejected all inquiries until I felt confident the company was stabilized with a sound business model and competent, experienced management team.
“I believe we are there and I am proud of the business we have built together,” she said.
Founded in 1983 by Richard and Victoria MacKenzie-Childs, the company was sold to Rowland for $5.5 million in 2001 after the company filed for bankruptcy.
“I am going to begin to explore a number of options for the future, among them discussions with people who are interested in buying the company,” Rowland wrote.
Vice President of Sales and Marketing Jennifer Ellsworth said no active conversations are taking place and there is no time frame on the possible sale.
“It's definitely exploratory at this point, so we don't have a good sense of timing ourselves,” Ellsworth said.
She could not speculate what the impact on the company's 150 employees in Aurora would be. The press release emphasized Rowland has no plans to close the facility.
“She would certainly like it to stay in Aurora,” Ellsworth said, referring to Rowland.
The Wells College alumna has invested millions of dollars in the village since 2001 through the Aurora Foundation, which is a partnership between Rowland and the college.
Mayor Thomas Gunderson took the news with a little uneasiness when reached for comment. He recalled the fears before Rowland bought the company that a buyer would take the MacKenzie-Childs name and leave town.
“There were a lot of people that probably would have lost their jobs had she not stepped in when she did,” Gunderson said, noting the company's significance as an employer and tourism draw for the village.
Staff writer Shane Liebler can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or shane.liebler@lee.net
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