California Bedding Chain Largest in U.S. : Investment Group Buys Ortho Mattress

Ortho Mattress, the mattress maker owned by three brothers since its founding in Southern California in 1961, has been sold to an investment group for an undisclosed price.

The investment group completed the transaction Thursday, said Arthur Goldman, a former vice president at Robinson’s Department Stores, who heads the investment group and is Ortho’s new president.

Ortho, which produces and sells mattresses, beds, convertible sofas and certain types of tables, had about $55 million in sales last year, Goldman said. With 86 company-owned store operations, it is the largest chain of bedding store outlets in the country, according to Goldman. The stores are located in California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah.

Goldman, who formerly managed a Robinson’s division responsible for furnishings, floor coverings and electronics, would not disclose the purchase price of the privately held company, based in Rancho Dominguez, near Compton. The firm was bought from the Mickell brothers--Jerome, Sherman and Herman--who founded it, Goldman said, adding that the investment group sought Ortho partly because the company’s name is valuable.

“The name--’Ortho’--is as important as any manufacturer’s name” in the bedding industry, said Goldman. “Our plans are to take a great business and make it more successful.”

Ortho has about 500 employees, including about 200 at its headquarters, and ranks 49th among furniture retailers nationally. Goldman said company executives are analyzing plans for four store openings. The new management team has no plans for a major expansion or a large-scale consolidation, Goldman said.