WEISSBACH, Germany -- Konrad Hornschuch AG, a producer and marketer of highly technical films, foils and artificial leather for the residential, fashion, furniture, automotive and construction related markets, has acquired Virginia-based O’Sullivan Films to expand its business into the U.S. market. The company is already active in more than 100 international markets.

O’Sullivan Films is a producer of residential wall coverings and supplier of automotive interior trim films. The acquisition was completed in March and will give Hornschuch a strong footing in the U.S. market immediately.

Bruno Lehmann, head of fashion business unit

“We are excited to be associated with O’Sullivan Films,” stated Rolf J. Gemmersdoerfer, CEO of Konrad Hornschuch AG. “This is a very good, healthy company with a long-lasting tradition of excellence in North America. The O’Sullivan Films name and management team will remain in place. Together, we will be able to offer better value and solutions to our growing customer base.”

One of the areas Hornschuch will expand further is the automotive sector. Currently, the firm supplies coated synthetic leather materials for seats and vehicle interiors to German car companies Mercedes-Benz, Opel, Audi and Volkswagen. The acquisition of O’Sullivan gives Hornschuch business relationships with General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler.

Bruno Lehmann, head of Hornschuch’s fashion business unit, states that about 35% of the company’s upholstery business is generated from the domestic German market. His fashion group is going to reinforce its efforts to kick off international business activities. “We will expand even further over the next few years,” Lehmann stated.