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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

x      QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2012

OR

o         TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                          to                            

Commission File No. 001-12907

KNOLL, INC.

1235 Water Street

East Greenville, PA 18041

Telephone Number (215) 679-7991

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x Noo

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.) Yes o No x

As of May 4, 2012, there were 47,934,860 shares (including 1,311,489 shares of non-voting restricted shares) of the Registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding.

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KNOLL, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR FORM 10-Q

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PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

KNOLL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements

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KNOLL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

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KNOLL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

(dollars in thousands)

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements

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KNOLL, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2012

NOTE 1:  BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Knoll, Inc. (the “Company”) have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations.  The consolidated balance sheet of the Company, as of December 31, 2011, was derived from the Company’s audited consolidated balance sheet as of that date.  All other condensed consolidated financial statements contained herein are unaudited and reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to summarize fairly the financial position of the Company and the results of the Company’s operations and cash flows for the periods presented.  All of these adjustments are of normal recurring nature.  All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.  These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

NOTE 2: NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In June 2011, the FASB issued amendments to guidance regarding the presentation of comprehensive income. The amendments eliminate the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity. The amendments require that comprehensive income be presented in either a single continuous statement or in two separate but consecutive statements.  In a single continuous statement, the entity would present the components of net income and total net income, the components of other comprehensive income and a total of other comprehensive income, along with the total of comprehensive income in that statement.  In the two-statement approach, the entity would present components of net income and total net income in the statement of net income and a statement of other comprehensive income would immediately follow the statement of net income and include the components of other comprehensive income and a total for other comprehensive income, along with a total for comprehensive income. The amendments also require the entity to present on the face of the financial statements any reclassification adjustments for items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income in the statement(s) where the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income are presented. The amendments do not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income, when an item of other comprehensive income must be re-classed to net income or the option to present components of other comprehensive income either net of related tax effects or before related tax effects. The amendments, excluding the specific requirement to present on the face of the financial statements any reclassification adjustments for items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income in the statement(s) where the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income are presented which was deferred by the FASB in December 2011, are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011 and are to be applied retrospectively. The Company has evaluated and implemented ASU No. 2011-05 using a single continuous statement.  There was no impact to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements other than the change in presentation.

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KNOLL, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

NOTE 3: ACQUISITIONS

On March 1, 2012, the Company acquired Richard Schultz Design Inc., a designer and manufacturer of outdoor furniture for the residential, hospitality and contract office furniture markets.  This acquisition has been accounted for as a purchase and resulted in the recognition of approximately $4.9 million of goodwill in the Company’s financial statements.  The allocation of the purchase price is still being finalized as the Company is awaiting the final appraisal of the intangible assets and the determination of the fair value of the contingent purchase price.  The finalization of the Company’s purchase accounting assessment will result in changes in the valuation of assets and liabilities acquired, which is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet, statement of operations, or statement of cash flows.  Under U.S. GAAP, the measurement period shall not exceed one year from the acquisition date.

The Company’s goodwill by reporting segment was $37.9 million, $2.2 million and $36.4 million for Office, Studio, and Coverings respectively at December 31, 2011.  During the first quarter of 2012, goodwill for the Studio segment increased $4.9 million as a result of the Richard Schultz acquisition.  Goodwill for the coverings segment increased $0.5 million as a result of purchase accounting adjustments related to the Filzfelt acquisition, which occurred on December 30, 2011.

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KNOLL, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

NOTE 4: INVENTORIES

Inventories, net consist of:

Inventory reserves for obsolescence and other estimated losses were $8.1 million and $7.7 million at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

NOTE 5: INCOME TAXES

The Company’s income tax provision consists of federal, state and foreign income taxes.  The tax provisions for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were based on the estimated effective tax rates applicable for the full years ending December 31, 2012 and 2011, after giving effect to items specifically related to the interim periods.  The Company’s effective tax rate was 38.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 36.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2011.  The Company’s effective tax rate is affected by the mix of pretax income and the different effective tax rates of the tax jurisdictions in which it operates.  The difference in the Company’s effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2012 and the first quarter of 2011 is primarily a result of these different tax rates.

As of March 31, 2012, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $2.5 million.  The entire amount of the unrecognized tax benefits would affect the effective tax rate if recognized.  As of March 31, 2012, the Company is subject to U.S. Federal income tax examinations for the tax years 2008 through 2011, and to non-U.S. income tax examinations for the tax years 2004 through 2011.  In addition, the Company is subject to state and local income tax examinations for the tax years 2004 through 2011.

NOTE 6:  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Company uses derivative financial instruments, to reduce its exposure to adverse fluctuations in interest rates and foreign exchange rates.

On May 21, 2008, the Company entered into four interest rate swap agreements for purposes of managing its risk in interest rate fluctuations. These agreements each hedged a notional amount of $150.0 million of the Company’s borrowings under its revolving credit facility. Two of the agreements were effective June 9, 2009 and expired on June 9, 2010. On these two agreements, the Company paid a fixed rate of 3.51% and received a variable rate of interest equal to three-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), as determined on the last day of each quarterly settlement period. The other two agreements were effective on June 9, 2010 and expired on June 9, 2011. The Company paid a fixed rate of 4.10% on these two agreements and received a variable rate of interest equal to three-month LIBOR as determined on the last day of each quarterly settlement period.

The Company elected to apply hedge accounting to these swap agreements.  Changes in the fair values of the effective portion of the interest rate swap agreements were recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the equity section of the balance sheet.  The net amount paid or received upon quarterly settlements was recorded as an adjustment to interest expense, with a corresponding reduction in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

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KNOLL, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

NOTE 6:  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Continued)

The effect of derivative instruments on the condensed consolidated statement of income for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was as follows (in thousands):

The Company had no outstanding interest rate swap contracts as of March 31, 2012 or December 31, 2011.

The Company will continue to review its exposure to interest rate fluctuations and evaluate whether it should manage such exposure through derivative transactions.

NOTE 7: CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND COMMITMENTS

The Company is currently involved in matters of litigation, including environmental contingencies, arising in the ordinary course of business.  The Company accrues for such matters when expenditures are probable and reasonably estimable.  Based upon information presently known, management is of the opinion that such litigation, either individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

At March 31, 2012, the Company employed a total of 3,105 people.  Approximately 12.3% of the employees are represented by unions.  The Grand Rapids, Michigan plant is the only unionized plant within the U.S and has an agreement with the Carpenters Union, Local 1615, of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Affiliate of the Carpenters Industrial Council (the “Union”), covering approximately 184 hourly employees. The Collective Bargaining Agreement expires April 30, 2015. Certain workers in the facilities in Italy are also represented by unions.

The Company offers a warranty for all of its products.  The specific terms and conditions of those warranties vary depending upon the product sold.  The Company estimates the costs that may be incurred under its warranties and records a liability in the amount of such costs at the time product revenue is recognized.  Factors that affect the Company’s liability include historical product-failure experience and estimated repair costs for identified matters for each specific product category.  The Company periodically assesses the adequacy of its recorded warranty liabilities and adjusts the amounts as necessary.

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KNOLL, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

NOTE 7: CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND COMMITMENTS (Continued)

Changes in the warranty reserves for periods indicated are as follows:

NOTE 8: PENSIONS AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

The following tables summarize the costs of the Company’s employee pension and post-retirement plans for the periods indicated.

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KNOLL, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

NOTE 9: COMMON STOCK AND EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period (excluding unvested restricted shares).  Diluted earnings per share reflects the additional dilution for all shares and potential shares issued under the stock incentive plans (including unvested restricted shares).

Common stock activity for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 included the repurchase of approximately 155,991 shares for $2.5 million and 616,100 shares for $12.4 million, respectively.  Common stock activity for the first three months of 2012 also included the exercise of 37,089 options for $0.4 million and the vesting of 368,010 restricted shares.  Common stock activity for the first three months of 2011 also included the exercise of 769,686 options for $11.7 million and the vesting of 28,305 restricted shares.

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KNOLL, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

NOTE 10: FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The following methods and assumptions are used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate:

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The fair value of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents approximates the carrying value of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, due to the short maturity of the cash equivalents.

Long-term Debt

The fair value of the Company’s $228.0 million revolving credit facility approximates its carrying value, as it is variable-rate debt and the terms are comparable to market terms as of the balance sheet dates.

NOTE 11: INDEBTEDNESS

On February 3, 2012, the Company amended and restated its existing credit facility, dated June 29, 2007, with a new $450.0 million revolving credit facility maturing on February 3, 2017. The Company may use the revolving line of credit for general corporate purposes, including strategic acquisitions, stock buy backs and cash dividends. Under the Company’s amended credit agreement, the Company can increase its revolving credit facility by up to $200.0 million subject to certain limitations and satisfaction of certain conditions, including compliance with certain financial covenants.

Loans made pursuant to the revolving credit facility may be borrowed, repaid and re-borrowed from time to time until February 3, 2017, subject to satisfaction of certain conditions on the date of any such borrowing. Obligations under the credit facility are secured by a first priority security interest in (i) the capital stock of each present and future subsidiary (with limitations on foreign subsidiaries) and (ii) all present and future property and assets of the Company (with various limitations and exceptions).  Borrowings under the credit facility bear interest, at the Company’s election, at (i) the Eurocurrency Rate (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement), plus additional percentage points based on the Company’s leverage ratio or (ii) the Base Rate (a rate based on the higher of (a) the prime rate announced from time-to-time by Bank of America, N.A., (b) the Federal Reserve System’s federal funds rate, plus .50% or (c) the Eurocurrency Rate plus 1.00%; Base Rate is defined in detail in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement), plus additional percentage points based on the Company’s leverage ratio.

The senior credit agreement contains a letter of credit subfacility that allows for the issuance of letters of credit and swing-line loans. Subject to the ability to increase the credit facility by up to $200.0 million as mentioned above, the sum of the outstanding revolver balance plus any outstanding letters of credit and swing-line loans cannot exceed $450.0 million. The amount available for borrowing under the revolving credit facility is reduced by the total outstanding letters of credit and swing-line loans.

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KNOLL, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

NOTE 11: INDEBTEDNESS (Continued)

The Company is required to pay a commitment fee equal to a rate per annum calculated as the product of the applicable rate based upon the Company’s leverage ratio as set forth in the credit agreement, times the unused portion of the revolving credit facility. In addition, the Company is required to pay a letter of credit fee equal to the applicable rate as set forth in the credit agreement times the daily maximum amount available to be drawn under such letter of credit.

In addition, the credit agreement also contains various affirmative and negative covenants that among other things, limit, subject to certain exceptions, the incurrence of additional indebtedness and capital expenditures in excess of a specified amount in any fiscal year. The Company was in compliance with the credit agreement covenants at March 31, 2012.

In connection with the refinancing of the credit facility during the first quarter of 2012, the Company wrote-off $0.5 million of unamortized deferred financing fees associated with the previous credit facility and incurred $2.8 million in new fees that will be amortized as a component of interest expense over the life of the facility.

For more details on our revolving credit facility, please see our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 7, 2012. A copy of the credit agreement is attached to that Current Report on Form 8-K.

NOTE 12. SEGMENT INFORMATION

Accounting Standards Codification 280, “Segment Reporting”, defines that a segment for reporting purposes is based on the financial performance measures that are regularly reviewed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker to assess segment performance and to make decisions about a public entities allocation of resources. Based on this guidance, the Company reports its segment results based on the following reportable segments; Office, Studio and Coverings. The Office segment serves corporate, government, healthcare, retail and other customers in the United States and Canada providing a portfolio of office furnishing solutions including systems, seating, storage, and KnollExtra ergonomic accessories, and other products. The Studio segment includes KnollStudio®, Knoll Europe which sells primarily Knoll Studio products, and Richard Schultz® Design.  The KnollStudio® portfolio includes a range of lounge seating; side, café and dining chairs; barstools; and conference, dining and occasional tables. Richard Schultz® Design provides high quality outdoor furniture. The Coverings segment includes, KnollTextiles®, Spinneybeck®, Edelman ®Leather and FilzfeltTM. These businesses serve a wide range of customers offering high quality textiles, felt, and leather.

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KNOLL, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

The following information below categorizes certain financial information into the above noted segments for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:

(1) The Company does not allocate interest expense or other income (expense), net to the reportable segments.

NOTE 13. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The Company evaluated all subsequent events through the date that the condensed consolidated financial statements were issued.  No material subsequent events have occurred since March 31, 2012 that required recognition or disclosure in the condensed consolidated financial statements.

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ITEM 2:                       MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations provides an account of our financial performance and financial condition that should be read in conjunction with the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Forward-looking Statements

This Quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements, principally in the sections entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.” Statements and financial discussion and analysis contained in this Form 10-Q that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These statements discuss goals, intentions and expectations as to future trends, plans, events, results of operations or financial condition, or state other information relating to us, based on our current beliefs as well as assumptions made by us and information currently available to us. Forward-looking statements generally will be accompanied by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “intend,” “may,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” or other similar words, phrases or expressions. This includes, without limitation, our statements and expectations regarding any current or future recovery in our industry and our projections and estimates with respect to our planned restructuring activities.  Although we believe these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they are based upon a number of assumptions concerning future conditions, any or all of which may ultimately prove to be inaccurate. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include, without limitation: the risks described in Item 1A and in Item 7A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011; changes in the financial stability of our clients or the overall economic environment, resulting in decreased corporate spending and service sector employment; changes in relationships with clients; the mix of products sold and of clients purchasing our products; the success of new technology initiatives; changes in business strategies and decisions; competition from our competitors; our ability to recruit and retain an experienced management team; changes in raw material and commodity prices and availability; restrictions on government spending resulting in fewer sales to the U.S. government, one of our largest customers; our debt restrictions on spending; our ability to protect our patents, copyrights and trademarks; our reliance on furniture dealers to produce sales; lawsuits arising from patents, copyrights and trademark infringements; violations of environment laws and regulations; potential labor disruptions; adequacy of our insurance policies; the availability of future capital; the overall strength and stability of our dealers, suppliers, and customers; access to necessary capital; and currency rate fluctuations. The factors identified above are believed to be important factors (but not necessarily all of the important factors) that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement. Unpredictable or unknown factors could also have material adverse effects on us. All forward-looking statements included in this Form 10-Q are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements. Except as required under the Federal securities laws and rules and regulations of the SEC, we undertake no obligation to update, amend, or clarify forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Overview

During the first quarter of 2012, our sales were impacted by lower governmental spending and reduced purchases from a single financial services client.  Excluding these two items, commercial sales grew year-over-year.  Net sales for the quarter decreased 11.0% from $220.9 million during the first quarter of 2011 to $196.7 million during the first quarter of 2012.  The largest percentage declines occurred in seating, storage, and other complementary products.  During the quarter, earnings per share decreased from $0.20 per share during the first quarter of 2011 to $0.15 per share during the first quarter of 2012.  Non-cash charges relating to unrealized foreign exchange losses and the write-off of deferred financing fees decreased earnings by approximately $0.03 per share.

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For the first quarter of 2012, gross margin increased 110 basis points to 32.1% versus the comparable quarter of the prior year. The increase in gross margin from the first quarter of 2011 resulted from previously implemented price increases and favorable customer mix.  Sales to governmental agencies, which usually are contracted at a higher discount, were replaced by more profitable commercial activity.

Operating profit for the first quarter of 2012 was $15.5 million, a decrease of 25.8% from the first quarter of 2011.  Operating expenses for the first quarter of 2012 increased $0.6 million, or 1.3%, when compared to the prior year.  The modest increase in operating expenses during the first quarter of 2012 was in large part due to costs associated with new product introductions and information technology infrastructure upgrades offset by reduced incentive compensation.

Interest expense during the first quarter of 2012 decreased $2.5 million when compared to the prior year as a result of our lower outstanding debt and the expiration of two interest rate swap agreements in June of last year.

During the first quarter of 2012, we negotiated a new $450 million revolving credit facility that runs through February 3, 2017.  We did this to take advantage of terms that we thought were favorable and to extend the maturity date of our outstanding debt beyond 2013, when the previous facility was due to expire.  We believe this new facility will give us the flexibility we need to meet our business needs for the next few years.

In addition during the first quarter of 2012, we completed the acquisition of Richard Schultz Design, Inc., a designer and manufacturer of outdoor furniture for the residential, hospitality and contract office furniture markets.  The Schultz’s designs were originally part of Knoll’s collection but were subsequently spun-off in the early 1990s. These iconic outdoor designs will benefit from our broader sales and distribution capability while simultaneously strengthening our designer and consumer offering in the outdoor furniture category.

This quarter we borrowed net $16.0 million of debt.  The first quarter of the year is always difficult as we pay out the accrued compensation from the prior year.  In addition, pension, income tax payments, and the purchase of Richard Schultz Design, Inc. impacted our cash position this quarter.  Capital expenditures increased $1.1 million when compared with the first quarter of 2011 as we continued to invest in infrastructure upgrades.  This quarter we also paid a dividend of $4.7 million, or $0.10 per share.

The second quarter of 2012 will be a challenging quarter as we face difficult year-over-year comparisons and manage through the realities of reduced governmental sales and significantly reduced purchases from a single financial services client.  However, internal indicators, and the macro-economic data that we track, have us expecting a strong back half of the year.  We are also looking forward to Neocon in June as we have a planned focus on the emerging collaborative workplace and one of the broadest ranges of activity across our Coverings and Studio segments in recent memory.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of certain assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of certain contingent assets and liabilities.  Actual results may differ from such estimates. On an ongoing basis, we review our accounting policies and procedures.  A more detailed review of our critical accounting policies is contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

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Results of Operations

Comparison of Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 to Three Months Ended March 31, 2011

Sales

Sales for the first quarter of 2012 were $196.7 million, a decrease of $24.2 million, or 11.0%, from sales of $220.9 million for the same period in the prior year.  The decrease in sales over the prior year was mainly due to lowered levels of government sales and reduced purchases from a single financial services client.

Although on the decline, sales to U.S., state, and local governmental agencies continued to represent a large portion, approximately 15.4%, of our overall sales during the first quarter of 2012, but significantly reduced from 21.9% in the first quarter of 2011.

Gross Profit and Operating Income

Gross profit for the first quarter of 2012 was $63.1 million, a decrease of $5.3 million, or 7.7%, from gross profit of $68.4 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2011.  Operating income for the first quarter of 2012 was $15.5 million, a decrease of $5.4 million, or 25.8%, from operating income of $20.9 million for the first quarter of 2011.  Operating income for the first quarter of 2011 included restructuring charges of $0.5 million.  As a percentage of sales, gross profit increased to 32.1% for the first quarter of 2012 from 31.0% for the first quarter of 2011.  Operating income as a percentage of sales decreased to 7.9% in the first quarter of 2012 from 9.5% over the same period of 2011.

Operating expenses for the first quarter of 2012 were $47.6 million, or 24.2% of sales, compared to $47.0 million, or 21.3% of sales, for the first quarter of 2011.  The modest increase in operating expenses during the first quarter of 2012 was in large part due to costs associated with new product introductions and information technology infrastructure upgrades offset by reduced incentive compensation.

Interest Expense

Interest expense for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 was $1.5 million, a decrease of $2.5 million from the same period in 2011.  The decrease in interest expense was the result of our lower outstanding debt and the expiration of two interest rate swap agreements in June of last year.  The weighted average interest rate for the first quarter of 2012 was 2.3%.  The weighted average rate for the same period in 2011 was 5.7%.

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Other Expense, net

Other expense for the first quarter of 2012 was $2.2 million compared to $2.3 million for the first quarter of 2011.  During the first quarter of 2012, other expense included $1.8 million of foreign exchange losses, and $0.5 million related to the write-off of deferred financing fees, offset by $0.1 million of miscellaneous income.  Other expense for the first quarter of 2011 included $1.8 million of foreign exchange losses and $1.0 million of expense related to a negative judicial ruling, offset by $0.5 million of miscellaneous income.

Income Tax Expense

The mix of pretax income and the varying effective tax rates in the countries in which we operate directly affects our consolidated effective tax rate.  The effective tax rate was 38.2% for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, as compared to 36.8% for the same period last year.

Business Segment Analysis

Net sales for the first quarter of 2012 for the Office segment were $138.3 million, a decrease of $23.4 million, or 14.5%, when compared with the same period in 2011.  The decrease in sales in Office segment for the first quarter of 2012 was the result of decreased government spending and decreased purchases from a single financial services client.  Operating income for the first quarter of 2012 for the Office segment was $6.9 million in 2012, a decrease of $4.5 million, or 39.5%, when compared with the same period in 2011.  As a percent of net sales, the Office segment operating income was 5.0% for the first quarter ended March 31, 2012 and 7.0% for the first quarter ended March 31, 2011.

Net sales for the first quarter of 2012 for the Studio segment were $33.2 million, a decrease of $2.5 million, or 7.0%, when compared with the same period in 2011.  Operating income for the first quarter of 2012 for the Studio segment was $4.0 million in 2012, a decrease of $1.4 million, or 25.9%, when compared with the same period in 2011.  As a percent of net sales, the Studio segment operating income was 12.0% for the first quarter ended March 31, 2012 and 15.2% for the first quarter ended March 31, 2011.  The decrease in the operating margin for the Studio segment was mainly the result of growth initiative spending during the quarter.

Net sales for the first quarter of 2012 for the Coverings segment were $25.2 million, an increase of $1.7 million, or 7.2%, when compared with the same period in 2011.  Operating income for the first quarter of 2012 for the Coverings segment was $4.5 million in 2012, a decrease of $0.1 million, or 2.2%, when compared with the same period in 2011.  As a percent of net sales, the Coverings segment operating income was 18.0% for the first quarter ended March 31, 2012 and 19.5% for the first quarter ended March 31, 2011.

All three reporting segments are impacted by foreign exchange.  The Office segment is impacted primarily by changes in the Canadian dollar.  The Studio and Coverings segments are impacted primarily by changes in the Euro.  Looking at the average rates for the first quarter of 2012 and 2011, the Euro and Canadian dollar were both weaker against the U.S. dollar in 2012 versus 2011.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

The following table highlights certain key cash flows and capital information pertinent to the discussion that follows:

Historically, we have carried significant amounts of debt, and cash generated by operating activities has been used to fund working capital, capital expenditures, repurchase shares, pay quarterly dividends and make payments of principal and interest under our credit facility.  Our capital expenditures are typically for new product tooling and manufacturing equipment.  These capital expenditures support new products and continuous improvements in our manufacturing processes.

Net cash used in operations was $13.5 million, of which $15.2 million was provided by net income plus non-cash amortizations and stock-based compensation and the write-off of $0.5 million of deferred financing fees, offset by $29.2 million of unfavorable changes in assets and liabilities.  During the first quarter of 2011, net cash used in operations was $16.8 million, of which $17.3 million was provided by net income plus non-cash amortizations and stock-based compensation, offset by $34.1 million of unfavorable changes in assets and liabilities.

For the first quarter of 2012, we used available cash, including $16.0 million of net borrowings, to fund $3.0 million in capital expenditures, repurchase $2.5 million of common stock for treasury, fund a dividend payment to shareholders totaling $4.7 million and fund working capital.  For the first quarter of 2011, we used available cash, and option proceeds, to repay $3.0 million of our outstanding debt, repurchase $12.4 million of common stock for treasury, fund $2.0 million in capital expenditures, fund a dividend payment to shareholders totaling $2.8 million and fund working capital.

Cash used in investing activities was $9.2 million for the first quarter of 2012 and $2.0 million for the same period in 2011.  Fluctuations in cash used in investing activities was primarily attributable to the purchase of Richard Schultz Design Inc., and expenditures on infrastructure related to information technology.

We use our revolving credit facility in the ordinary course of business to fund our working capital needs and, at times, make significant borrowings and repayments under the facility depending on our cash needs and availability at such time.  This facility was amended and restated on February 3, 2012 and matures on February 3, 2017 and provides for a revolving credit line of up to $450.0 million, but includes the option to increase the size of the facility by up to an additional $200 million, subject to the satisfaction of certain terms and conditions.  As of March 31, 2012, there was $228 million outstanding under the facility, compared to $212.0 million outstanding under the facility as of December 31, 2011.  Borrowings under the revolving credit facility may be repaid at any time, but no later than February 3, 2017.  See Note 11 of the consolidated financial statements included in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for further information regarding this amended facility.

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Our revolving credit facility requires that we comply with two financial covenants: our consolidated leverage ratio, defined as the ratio of total indebtedness to consolidated EBITDA (as defined in our credit agreement) for a period of four fiscal quarters, cannot exceed 4 to 1, and our consolidated interest coverage ratio, defined as the ratio of our consolidated EBITDA (as defined in our credit agreement) for a period of four fiscal quarters to our consolidated interest expense, must be a minimum of 3 to 1.  We are also required to comply with various other affirmative and negative covenants including, without limitation, covenants that prevent or restrict our ability to pay dividends, engage in certain mergers or acquisitions, make certain investments or loans, incur future indebtedness, make significant capital expenditures, engage in sale-leaseback transactions, alter our capital structure or line of business, prepay subordinated indebtedness, engage in certain transactions with affiliates and sell stock or assets.

We are currently in compliance with all of the covenants and conditions under our credit facility. We believe that existing cash balances and internally generated cash flows, together with borrowings available under our revolving credit facility, will be sufficient to fund normal working capital needs, capital spending requirements, debt service requirements and dividend payments for at least the next twelve months. However, because of the financial covenants mentioned above, our capacity under our revolving credit facility could be reduced if our trailing consolidated EBITDA (as defined by our credit agreement) would decline.  Future principal debt payments may be paid out of cash flows from operations, from future refinancing of our debt or from equity issuances. However, our ability to make scheduled payments of principal, to pay interest on or to refinance our indebtedness, to satisfy our other debt obligations and to pay dividends to stockholders will depend upon our future operating performance, which will be affected by general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory, business and other factors beyond our control.

Contractual Obligations

Contractual obligations associated with our ongoing business will result in cash payments in future periods.  A table summarizing the amounts and timing of these future cash payments was provided in the Company’s Form 10-K filing for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.

Environmental Matters

Our past and present business operations and the past and present ownership and operation of manufacturing plants on real property are subject to extensive and changing federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and regulations, including those relating to discharges to air, water and land, the handling and disposal of solid and hazardous waste and the cleanup of properties affected by hazardous substances.  As a result, we are involved from time-to-time in administrative and judicial proceedings and inquiries relating to environmental matters and could become subject to fines or penalties related thereto.  We cannot predict what environmental legislation or regulations will be enacted in the future, how existing or future laws or regulations will be administered or interpreted or what environmental conditions may be found to exist.  Compliance with more stringent laws or regulations, or stricter interpretation of existing laws, may require additional expenditures by us, some of which may be material.  We have been identified as a potentially responsible party pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (“CERCLA”) for remediation costs associated with waste disposal sites that we previously used.  The remediation costs and our allocated share at some of these CERCLA sites are unknown. We may also be subject to claims for personal injury or contribution relating to CERCLA sites.  We reserve amounts for such matters when expenditures are probable and reasonably estimable.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not currently have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. In addition, we do not engage in trading activities involving non-exchange traded contracts.  As a result, we are not materially exposed to any financing, liquidity, market or credit risk that could arise if we had engaged in these relationships.

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ITEM 3.           QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We provided a discussion of our market risk in Part II, Item 7A, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. During the first three months of 2011, there was no substantive change in our market risk except for the items noted below. This discussion should be read in conjunction with Part II, Item 7A, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

During the normal course of business, we are routinely subjected to market risk associated with interest rate movements and foreign currency exchange rate movements. Interest rate risk arises from our debt obligations and foreign currency exchange rate risk arises from our non-U.S. operations and purchases of inventory from foreign suppliers.

We also have risk in our exposure to certain materials and transportation costs. Steel, leather, wood products and plastics are all used in the manufacture of our products. During the first quarter of 2012, we were impacted by higher steel and petroleum prices.  Materials and transportation inflation was each approximately $2.1 million during the first quarter of 2012.  Materials and transportation inflation was each approximately $1.4 million during the first quarter of 2011. We continue to work to offset these price changes in raw materials and transportation through our global sourcing initiatives, cost improvements and price increases to our products.

Interest Rate Risk

We have variable-rate debt obligations that are denominated in U.S. dollars.  A change in interest rates impacts the interest incurred and cash paid on our variable rate debt obligations.

In the past, we have from time-to-time used interest rate swap agreements for other than trading purposes in order to manage our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates on our variable-rate debt.  We will continue to review our exposure to interest rate fluctuations and evaluate whether we should manage such exposure through derivative instruments.

Taking into account payments under our interest rate swap agreements, our weighted average rate of interest for the first quarter of 2011 was 5.7%. Our weighted average rate of interest for the same period of 2012 was 2.3%.  The decrease in our rate is attributable to the expiration of the interest rate agreements in June 2011.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

We manufacture our products in the United States, Canada and Italy, and sell our products primarily in those markets as well as in other European countries.  Our foreign sales and certain expenses are transacted in foreign currencies.  Our production costs, profit margins and competitive position are affected by the strength of the currencies in countries where we manufacture or purchase goods relative to the strength of the currencies in countries where our products are sold.  Additionally, as we report currency in the U.S. dollar, our financial position is affected by the strength of the currencies in countries where we have operations relative to the strength of the U.S. dollar.  The principal foreign currencies in which we conduct business are the Canadian dollar and the Euro. Approximately 16.4% of our revenues for the first quarter 2012 and 12.6% in the same period for 2011, and 36.9% of our cost of goods sold for the first quarter of 2012 and 32.6% in the same period of 2011, were denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar.  Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations resulted in a $1.8 million loss in the first quarter of 2012 and 2011.

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ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. We, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as of the end of the period covered by this report (March 31, 2012) (“Disclosure Controls”). Based upon the Disclosure Controls evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the Disclosure Controls are effective in reaching a reasonable level of assurance that (i) information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and (ii) information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in internal control over financial reporting. Our principal executive officer and principal financial officer also conducted an evaluation of our internal control over financial reporting (“Internal Control”) to determine whether any changes in Internal Control occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2012 that have materially affected or which are reasonably likely to materially affect Internal Control.  Based on that evaluation, there has been no such change during the quarter ended March 31, 2012.

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PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

During the first quarter of 2012, there have been no new material legal proceedings or material changes in the legal proceedings disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

During the first quarter of 2012, there were no material changes in the risk factors disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND THE USE OF PROCEEDS

Repurchases of Equity Securities

The following is a summary of share repurchase activity during the three months ended March 31, 2012.

On August 17, 2005, our board of directors approved a stock repurchase program (the “Options Proceeds Program”), whereby it authorized us to purchase shares of our common stock in the open market using the cash proceeds received by us upon exercise of outstanding options to purchase shares of our common stock.

On February 2, 2006, our board of directors approved an additional stock repurchase program, pursuant to which we are authorized to purchase up to $50.0 million of our common stock in the open market, through privately negotiated transactions, or otherwise.  On February 4, 2008, our board of directors expanded this previously authorized $50.0 million stock repurchase program by an additional $50.0 million.

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ITEM 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS

*           Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the Interactive Data Files on Exhibit 101 hereto are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

KNOLL, INC.

(Registrant)

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