Minnesota-based Spartan Promotional Group (PPAI 108688, Gold) has officially merged with American Solutions for Business (PPAI 101656, Platinum). Since the acquisition announcement in January, both companies have been working on systems and processes to ensure a smooth transition.

“Through this experience, our primary focus has been on our people and our customers,” says Mike Hohenwald, president at Spartan Promotional Group. “It’s incredibly important to us that everyone involved is comfortable, confident and excited for the new opportunities this transition presents us. We now have access to even more resources, technology and support to take us to the next level.”

Larry Zavadil, founder & CEO of American Solutions for Business, says, “The Spartan team has been incredible throughout this entire process. I especially enjoyed the visit to their headquarters today to celebrate the official merge of our two great companies.”

Moderne Glass (PPAI 112536, Gold) has added to its sales representation in 16 states and the District of Columbia.

• Mike Valentini, Nick Valentini and Jean Carboni of Mike Valentini Promotions (MVP) will represent Moderne Glass in Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and the District of Columbia.
• Kurt McGovern and Kyle McGovern of McGovern Marketing Group (MMG) will represent the company in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and Michigan.

“Prior to Covid, we had a long-standing partnership with MVP. We are thrilled to have them back representing our line and look forward to growing the territory together,” says Kris Fredericks, president of Moderne Glass. “We are also very excited to add Kurt and Kyle McGovern to our team. They are industry veterans that bring a wealth of experience and knowledge, in addition to well-established relationships in the promotional products industry. We look forward to working with both extremely talented rep groups to strengthen our presence in these territories.”

In its financial report for the year ended December 31, 2023, Stran & Company (PPAI 161542, Gold) announces its highest ever sales of approximately $75.9 million, a 28.7% increase over the prior year.

• Additionally, the distributor’s gross profit increased 50.2% to approximately $24.9 million, with gross margin increasing to 32.8% compared to 28.1% for 2022.
• In the fourth quarter alone, sales increased by 27.5% to a quarterly record of approximately $23.3 million, while gross profit increased by 63.5% to approximately $8.7 million. Gross margin increased to 37.4%, compared to 29.2% for the same period last year.
• During the year, Stran also closed the T R Miller Co. assets acquisition, its fourth acquisition in less than two years, following assets acquisitions from G.A.P. Promotions, Trend Promotional Marketing and Premier Business Services.

“Each acquisition has delivered crucial strategic benefits to Stran and our operations, including the expansion of our geographic reach, bolstering our warehousing and manufacturing capabilities, and attracting esteemed clients to our already impressive portfolio,” says Andy Shape, president and CEO of Stran. “While we continue to actively explore M&A opportunities as they emerge, our primary focus is on nurturing our organic growth and optimizing the benefits of our existing acquisitions. In addition, our improved sales and marketing initiatives, including more targeted SEO and demand generation combined with an expanded sales leadership team, are having a positive effect on our contract pipeline.”