Human Touch Parent Acquires Relax The Back Stores

November 10, 2016  by Larry Thomas in Acquisition, Industry   

Human Touch is a major supplier of zero gravity recliners and massage chairs to the Relax The Back network. This relationship was further strengthened in 2014 when Human Touch became the franchisee of two Relax The Back stores in the Boston area.

Officials at Interactive Health said the acquisition should have positive impact on both companies.

For Human Touch, it provides an integrated presence in the growing neck and back care market at both the wholesale and retail levels. For Relax The Back, it provides access to the resources of a larger company that is well acquainted with the market, its business and people.

Officials said this mutual familiarity is expected to ease the integration of the two companies and to produce a stronger, more efficient organization.

"This is an exciting development for both companies and an opportunity to drive growth and leadership in the ergonomic spinal health care market," said David Wood, CEO of Interactive Health. "Human Touch and Relax The Back share a passion for helping people maintain an active and pain-free lifestyle. We believe the acquisition will help to make it even easier for consumers to find, experience, and maintain back care solutions that will improve their daily lives."

Dick Palfreyman, CEO of Relax The Back, will be retiring on Dec. 16. Wood will be assuming responsibility for Relax The Back Corp. in addition to his existing duties with Human Touch. All current Relax The Back staff at their corporate office will report to Robert McMillan, Relax The Back chief financial officer and head of operations.