The Rug Company

Exited in 2015

The Rug Company designs and produces handmade luxury contemporary rugs which are sold throughout the world, from New York to Hong Kong.

With over 300 rug designs to select from, its exclusive designs are developed both in house, led by Suzanne Sharp, or through collaboration with over 30 designers from the worlds of fashion (Paul Smith, Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood), interior design (Emily Todhunter, Kelly Wearstler, Tom Dixon) and textiles (Nina Campbell).

The business also offers a bespoke service that allows customers to adapt, re-colour or re-size existing rugs or create entirely new designs.

The business was founded by husband and wife team Chris and Suzanne Sharp, who recognised a gap in the market for quality, handmade contemporary rugs. Their first store opened in Holland Park, London in 1997 since when the business has expanded to over 27 showrooms worldwide.

Having successfully grown the business to 8 stores, Chris and Suzanne Sharp felt it was time to bring in a partner to help them achieve their ambitious growth plans.

Advice was required to help expand internationally and to build a professional management team to support that expansion. Piper were actively involved in helping to develop and recruit the team, introducing a Chairman, Finance Director and Marketing Director into the business, as well as helping to structure an appropriate sales team.

Piper’s investment in 2008 (taking a minority stake) and its close involvement enabled the business to open new owned stores in New York, Dallas, Chicago, Miami, two in London and most recently a store in Munich. In addition to owned stores the business has expanded with it’s franchise partners in Dubai, Mexico, Canada, Hong Kong, San Francisco, Taiwan and the Lebanon.