Sun Capital says wins Furniture Brands proxy fight

ATLANTA, May 1 (Reuters) - Private equity firm Sun Capital said on Thursday its three nominees were elected to the board of Furniture Brands International Inc (FBN.N: Quote, Profile, Research) by a substantial margin, based on an estimate by its proxy solicitor at the close of the polls.

"The election of Sun Capital's nominees is a victory for all Furniture Brands shareholders," Sun Capital Vice President Jason Bernzweig said in a statement. "Today's results demonstrate shareholders' desire for constructive change at Furniture Brands, and we are gratified by their support for our nominees."

Furniture Brands, maker of Broyhill and Thomasville furniture, had urged a vote against the Sun Capital nominees. It said before the annual meeting, held on Thursday, that final results of the stockholder vote were expected to be announced on or before May 20. (Reporting by Karen Jacobs; editing by John Wallace)