CHARLESTON, S.C.–Candle and home fragrance maker MVP Group International has agreed to acquire Midwest-CBK, a leading supplier of gifts, candles and home décor, from Blyth, Inc. for an undisclosed sum. The closing is expected before May 31, 2011.

The sale enables Greenwich, Conn.-based Blyth to focus on its direct-to-consumer channels with its brands, which include PartyLite, Two Sisters Gourmet, Sterno and Exposures, among others, the company said.

“As Blyth’s focus is on the direct-to-consumer channels, Midwest-CBK has become less of a strategic fit going forward,” said Robert B. Goergen, Blyth’s chairman of the board and CEO. “Thus, when conversations arose with a strong and growing company interested in increasing its premium channel presence and manufacturing capabilities, we were receptive to a dialog. Moreover, the divestiture of Midwest-CBK supports Blyth’s objective to continue to self-fund its seasonal working capital requirements.”

Goergen praised Midwest-CBK’s management team for the “exceptional job guiding the company through a difficult recession, reporting sales and profit growth for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2011.” Frederick Contino, president of the Midwest-CBK, will continue to lead Midwest-CBK, according to a company spokeswoman.

Mary Propes, MVP Group International CEO, said the two companies are an excellent strategic fit. “The strength of MVP’s core competency of global sourcing and its focused approach towards strategic marketing and branding initiatives will benefit our growth objectives, whereas the Midwest-CBK innovative design and development team and large, established customer base will further an overall growth strategy in the premium channel in branded candles, seasonal decorative accessories, decor and giftware,” she said in a statement.