Carpet and rug maker Stanton Carpet Corp. has purchased Antrim Carpets USA, an importer and wholesaler of hand-loomed carpet and rugs from India. Plans call for Antrim’s distribution and service center in Bristol, Pa. and Stanton’s Calhoun, Ga.-based center to merge. However, Antrim will keep its name and company founders Dan McGovern and Fran O’Neill will remain as Antrim’s principals. Other terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Antrim said the purchase will help strengthen the 10-year-old company’s position in the industry. “Our position in the marketplace as a leader of stocked, hand-loomed wool carpets will thrive even further with Stanton behind us,” said McGovern.

O’Neill also considered the purchase beneficial to the company. “Dan [McGovern] can now truly focus on expanding our collection in hand-crafted carpets while I can accelerate Antrim sales and marketing for future growth,” O’Neill noted.Jonathan Cohen, Stanton’s exec. vp, said the purchase would help build his company’s position “as a leader in the premium carpet niche.”

“This is an excellent acquisition for Stanton,” he said. “Between McGovern and O’Neill we are gaining two dedicated and knowledgeable veterans in soft flooring with an excellent niche not previously offered by Stanton.”

Stanton noted that the purchase would allow the 27-year-old company to offer a selection of hand-loomed Indian rugs “utilizing its more extensive distribution base, logistics and product development capabilities and outstanding customer service.”

Both companies will run independent exhibits at Surfaces. Antrim said it plans to showcase more than 50 new SKUS during Surfaces at booth #5533. For its part, Stanton will unveil its latest lines at booth #4618.