In contrast, Mr. Ross arranged to sell Lees to Mohawk Industries, another carpeting giant, even before he made his bid.

In 1992, the company went public as Mohawk Industries and through 2003, it continued to acquire and merge many other companies into its conglomerate.

The court found in favor of Mohawk Industries, in a 9-0 decision.

So is Mohawk Industries, the carpeting company.

The Lees Carpet division was sold to Mohawk Industries as part of the deal.

They were the building blocks of what is now known as Mohawk Industries of Calhoun, Georgia.

Scotchgard has just announced that its "advanced repel technology" will be used in pet-friendly carpets and hardwood flooring by Mohawk Industries.

Ms. Helen's family is in the carpet and rug business and owns a major share of Mohawk Industries.

Then, on Thursday, Fieldcrest agreed to sell its carpet and rug division to Mohawk Industries for about $140 million.

Betty Shepard, human resources administrator at Mohawk Industries, said it had not offered advice because rules on liability were unclear.