Uva Resigns as Natuzzi CEO
March 20, 2009
Italian leather upholstery manufacturer Natuzzi Group announced on Thursday today Aldo Uva has resigned from his position in the company as CEO. After the company's board approves the resignation on Monday, Chairman and Board President Pasquale Natuzzi will take over as CEO.
"I am leaving my position as CEO for exclusively personal reasons," Uva said in a release. "In this moment it is extremely difficult for me to express my own feelings, but first of all I would like to thank all the people that worked with me during this very intense period from both human and professional point of views."
"I took consideration of Aldo Uva's decision, a remarkable gifted human being as well as an extraordinary professional, who has led an important re-launching of the company plan," Natuzzi said. "The company will continue with the process of implementation of the business plan in order to pursue the forecasted goals. We have a clear vision, a strong team and the skills and determination to achieve it."
"I am leaving my position as CEO for exclusively personal reasons," Uva said in a release. "In this moment it is extremely difficult for me to express my own feelings, but first of all I would like to thank all the people that worked with me during this very intense period from both human and professional point of views."
"I took consideration of Aldo Uva's decision, a remarkable gifted human being as well as an extraordinary professional, who has led an important re-launching of the company plan," Natuzzi said. "The company will continue with the process of implementation of the business plan in order to pursue the forecasted goals. We have a clear vision, a strong team and the skills and determination to achieve it."
CRESTA FURNITURE COMPLAINS TO OFFICE OF FAIR TRADING ABOUT PRICE FIXING OF NATUZZI FURNITURE
Retailer notifies competition watch-dog about ?consumers being ripped-off?
Preston furniture retailer Cresta Furniture Limited has today complained to the Office of Fair Trading that consumers are paying artificially inflated prices for Natuzzi furniture because of unlawful price fixing arrangements operated in the United Kingdom by the Italian furniture manufacturer.
The Office of Fair Trading has been provided with evidence of how Natuzzi took steps to ensure that consumers could not obtain furniture at prices lower than those set by Natuzzi, including a secret recording of a meeting of distributors in Manchester on 9 April 2008 where Natuzzi sought agreement that consumers would not be offered Natuzzi furniture at prices less that the recommended retail price less 20%.
Cresta has also brought a claim against Natuzzi for unlawful price fixing as Natuzzi has tried to stop Cresta selling its furniture at prices lower than those set by Natuzzi. At a hearing in the High Court Mr Justice Briggs remarked to Cresta?s legal advisors ?Take it as read that your materials have thus far persuaded me that it is an arguable case that they are trying to force you as a reluctant independent into a price fixing arrangement which they wish to have in place with all their UK distributors?..?
Cresta has distributed Natuzzi furniture for the last seventeen years. ?We have always sought to provide our customers with what they want ? high quality furniture at the best price? remarked Cresta spokesman Neil Stewart `We believe in the benefits of free competition, price fixing is unlawful, Cresta will not be party to ripping off customers`
The Office of Fair Trading has the power to investigate and fine any company engaging in unlawful price fixing. Consumers who have suffered loss as a result of unlawful price fixing may seek compensation for their loss. ?Thousands of consumers may have paid thousands of pounds more than they needed to for the Natuzzi furniture that they have bought. We have asked the Office of Fair Trading to take immediate action to end unlawful price fixing by Natuzzi. Consumers must be protected? remarked Mr.Stewart.
Natuzzi SpA is Italy?s largest furniture manufacturer with a turnover of ?660m. Cresta is an independent retailer based in Preston, Lancashire .Natuzzi sells its furniture through Harrods, Selfridges, House Of Fraser, Barker and Stonehouse, Natuzzi owned stores and various other independent retailers.