Industrie Natuzzi announces formation of a new joint venture in Italy: Novum S.r.1.

SANTERMO, Italy--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 30, 1995--Industrie Natuzzi S.p.A. (NYSE:NTZ) announced today that it is participating in the formation of a joint venture among four of the leading Italian manufacturers of home furnishings.

The venture, known as NOVUM, will franchise stores throughout Italy. These stores will sell a broad range of home furnishings products, from sofas to kitchen furniture, from bookcases to bedroom furniture, and including accoutrements such as ceramic wares and lamps, in the low to medium price range.

NOVUM will owned by Industrie Natuzzi (27%), Snaidero, a leading European kitchen furniture manufacturer (27%), Tisettanta, a leading Italian bedroom and living room furniture manufacturer (27%), and Tognana, a leading Italian ceramics maker (5%). The remaining 14% of the company will be held by a group of consultants. NOVUM's total paid-in capital will be Lit. 2.0 Billion.

NOVUM will utilize the experience of its owners to develop effective approaches to marketing, communications and information networks for franchisees and training of sales personnel. NOVUM plans to open 120 franchise stores in Italy over the next three years. Each store will have a similar layout and an identical range of products with an excellent value for the price. Each of Industrie Natuzzi, Snaidero, Tisettanta and Tognana will manufacture a new line of products bearing the NOVUM brand name for distribution through NOVUM stores.

Industrie Natuzzi, Snaidero, Tisettanta and Tognana intend to maintain their current distribution channels in addition to marketing their products through NOVUM outlets.

The Natuzzi Group is primarily engaged in the design, manufacture and marketing of contemporary and traditional leather and fabric upholstered furniture. Industrie Natuzzi is the world leader in the production of leather-upholstered furniture and has the leading share of the markets for such furniture in the United States and Europe.

CONTACT: Industrie Natuzzi

Elisabetta Vilizzi, 011/39-80-882-0111

or

KCSA

Joseph A. Mansi, 212/682-6300 ext. 205