By John Kell
Home Depot Inc. (HD) has acquired online retailer Blinds.com,
the latest in a string of smaller acquisitions the home-improvement
retailer has announced in recent years.
The company has now acquired at least four companies since early
2012, after avoiding takeovers for several years. Other recent
acquisitions include Home Depot's 2012 purchases of kitchen and
storage supplier U.S. Home Systems Inc. and home services
specialist Redbeacon.
In the latest deal, Home Depot says it is acquiring the largest
online window coverings retailer. Terms of the deal weren't
disclosed.
Home Depot intends to keep Blinds.com's management team and
staff intact at its headquarters in Houston.
Home Depot and peer Lowe's Cos. (LOW) have been a rare bright
spot in the retail sector as they continue to benefit from the
housing recovery. Rising home prices and improvements in home
construction and new home sales have led homeowners to open their
wallets for remodeling projects or big-ticket items.
While Home Depot in December offered a slightly cautious
earnings outlook for the new fiscal year, the company often issues
muted projections despite posting steady earnings and sales
growth.
Shares closed the regular session up four cents to $80.24 and
were unchanged in after-hours trading.
Write to John Kell at john.kell@wsj.com
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