Home Depot Acquires Blinds.com

   By John Kell 
 

Home Depot Inc. (HD) has acquired online retailer Blinds.com, the latest in a string of smaller acquisitions the home-improvement retailer has announced in recent years.

The company has now acquired at least four companies since early 2012, after avoiding takeovers for several years. Other recent acquisitions include Home Depot's 2012 purchases of kitchen and storage supplier U.S. Home Systems Inc. and home services specialist Redbeacon.

In the latest deal, Home Depot says it is acquiring the largest online window coverings retailer. Terms of the deal weren't disclosed.

Home Depot intends to keep Blinds.com's management team and staff intact at its headquarters in Houston.

Home Depot and peer Lowe's Cos. (LOW) have been a rare bright spot in the retail sector as they continue to benefit from the housing recovery. Rising home prices and improvements in home construction and new home sales have led homeowners to open their wallets for remodeling projects or big-ticket items.

While Home Depot in December offered a slightly cautious earnings outlook for the new fiscal year, the company often issues muted projections despite posting steady earnings and sales growth.

Shares closed the regular session up four cents to $80.24 and were unchanged in after-hours trading.

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