Feb 08, 2005. /Lesprom Network/. SDAX-listed Pfleiderer AG is currently using an exclusivity period to carry out a due diligence on the Kunz Group. This follows a Letter of Intent signed by Pfleiderer AG and Kunz Holding GmbH & Co. KG, Gschwend, Germany, on December 6, 2004 for the possible acquisition of the Kunz Group by Pfleiderer. The Kunz Group is one of the most important suppliers of particleboard and fiberboard in Europe and North America. Kunz is a major supplier to the furniture industry and the only completely integrated manufacturer of laminate flooring in North America, giving it a leading market position. The Group reported sales of around Euro 650 million in 2004 and employs around 1,900 people, two-thirds of whom are based in Northern America. The Pfleiderer Group is one of Europe's leading system suppliers of engineered woods, surface finished panels and rail sleeper technology. Pfleiderer's Business Center Engineered Wood is one of Europe's leading manufacturers of carrier materials and surface finished products – melamine faced chipboard (MFC) and high pressure laminates (HPL). Pfleiderer Engineered Wood is market leader in Poland and Germany and one of the most profitable suppliers in the industry. The Pfleiderer Group currently employs 4,500 people at 17 sites in seven different countries and has annual sales of around Euro 950 million.