Sandow® Acquires Material ConneXion® and Culture & Commerce, Inc.

NEW YORK, June 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Sandow (sandow.com) announced today it has acquired Material ConneXion, Inc. (materialconnexion.com), a leading global materials consultancy with the largest library of innovative materials in the world, and its sister company, Culture & Commerce Inc. (culturecommerce.com), the premier design management firm in the U.S. The acquisition marks an important step forward in the growth of both companies, as well as for Sandow as it continues to expand its services and further solidifies its position in the design world.

"We are thrilled to be joining the Sandow team. Adam Sandow truly understands our vision, and we are excited to become an integral part of the Sandow platform, taking this business to the next level. I have every confidence that the future of both companies is in great hands and will continue to grow through his expertise and burgeoning network," says Founder of Material ConneXion and Culture & Commerce, George M. Beylerian.

"The acquisition of Material ConneXion and Culture & Commerce is a pivotal step for us," says Adam I. Sandow, Chairman and CEO of Sandow. "Material ConneXion's unparalleled expertise in materials, sustainability and design, coupled with its expanding global presence will bring substantial knowledge to our corporation and greatly magnify our business connections and international reach. Culture & Commerce's leadership position at the intersection of the business and design worlds provides a valuable, strategic resource for ourselves and clients. With Sandow supporting them, the synergistic opportunities are exciting and limitless."

"Sandow's business acumen and passion for developing innovative brands makes the company a perfect partner to take our companies to the next stage," says Michele Caniato who will remain in his leadership role as President of both Material ConneXion and Culture & Commerce.

Founded in 1997, Material ConneXion is the foremost resource for innovative materials research and strategic materials insight. Locations in the U.S., Europe and Asia offer access to membership-based Materials Libraries with more than 6,000 advanced and sustainable materials and consulting services -- from strategy development to materials sourcing, manufacturing support and workshops.

Over the years, Material ConneXion has helped thousands of companies -- from Fortune 500s to smaller, forward-thinking businesses -- create better, more sustainable designs, build stronger brands and increase profits. With a 360-degree view of the world of materials, its intelligence is used in every area of design, from products, packaging and architecture to interiors, transportation and fashion.

Like its sister company, Culture & Commerce has had a significant impact on the design world, developing and negotiating high profile design projects and transactions for some of the world's leading designers and brands. The company first made its mark by bringing Philippe Starck to Target in 2001. In the decade since, its business savvy and creative expertise have been sought out by both designers seeking to develop new business and corporations who turn to Culture & Commerce to identify the right designers to make their projects successful. Recent projects have included Marcel Wanders for MAC cosmetics, Yves Behar/Fuseproject for Puma, Philippe Starck for SLS hotels, Dror Benshetrit for Target and Matthew Rolston for The Redbury hotel by SBE Entertainment.

More and more, Culture & Commerce and Material ConneXion are working together to provide companies with the essential ingredients to make a project successful: the designer, the materials and the sustainability strategy. For the full press release and press kit visit: Press.materialconnexion.com/MaterialConneXion_PressKit.zip

SOURCE Sandow