Smith Gambrell Russell Represents Zwiesel Glas in Merger with Fortessa Tableware Solutions

Press Release

November 3, 2022

PR-Zwiesel

ATLANTA (November 3, 2022) – Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP (SGR) is pleased to announce that the Firm served as legal counsel to Zwiesel Glas, a global leader in upscale crystal glassware based in Germany, in its merger with Fortessa Tableware Solutions, a U.S.-based tableware provider of dinnerware, flatware, and glassware. The merger solidifies a nearly 20-year business partnership, which includes the recent launch of United Tables by Zwiesel that brought their comprehensive tabletop offering to the commercial foodservice market in Europe and the Middle East.

The combined businesses create a unique, upscale global presence within the tableware industry. Zwiesel Glas, with its 150-year history in glassmaking for global upscale hotels and lifestyle retailers, is complementary to the nearly 30 years of experience that Fortessa Tableware Solutions brings providing high quality dinnerware to 80 percent of the North American 4–5 star hotels and most leading lifestyle retailers. Jointly, the companies are partnering to secure their global positioning as the go-to brands for glass and tableware that elevate everyday experiences, although operations, with around 900 total employees, will continue independently.

The SGR Atlanta legal team was led by Partner Tom Hong, Head of the Corporate Practice, along with Senior Associate Heiko Gruenwald, Associate Audria Crain, Associate Mina Zhan and Associate Alessandra Ferrero in the Corporate Practice. Partner David Putnal and Partner Angela Roberts in the Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Practice also assisted.

About Zwiesel Glas
Zwiesel Glas is dedicated to the most discerning guests and the best hosts in the world. For 150 years, the company has been using the highest manufacturing and craftsmanship skills to create unique products that add a special touch to every table setting and are literally part of good taste around the world. In the anniversary year 2022, Zwiesel Glas was honored with several prestigious awards: the German Brand Award as "Winner" and "Special Mention" and the renewed selection as "World Market Leader Champion 2022" in the segment "Crystal Glass for Upscale Hotels and Restaurants." Further information available at www.zwiesel-glas.com.

About Smith Gambrell Russell
SGR is a full service, international law firm that advises regional, national and global businesses on a wide range of legal matters. The Firm’s 270 attorneys provide legal counsel in more than 45 specialized practice areas, including corporate transactions, litigation, intellectual property, aviation, banking, real estate, construction, employment law, and employee benefits and executive compensation. Founded in 1893, SGR has offices in Atlanta, Austin, Charlotte, Chicago, Jacksonville, London, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Southampton, and Washington, D.C.