Over the past few days, Lewiston, Maine-headquartered distributor Geiger (PPAI 105182) has expanded exponentially with acquisitions in the U.S. and UK. On Monday, GeigerBTC—formed in March 2018 when the UK’s BTC Group merged with Geiger—acquired London-based EMC Advertising Gifts. Subsequently, this past Friday Geiger announced its acquisition of Bloomington, Illinois-based CM Promotions (PPAI 334193).
Geiger, already one of the largest distributors in the industry with sales nearing $200 million, describes the acquisitions as continuing its expansion strategy to support and broaden its client base.
“We are delighted to become part of GeigerBTC and the expanding Geiger global network,” says EMC Managing Director Simon Kay. “Our companies share similar cultures and ideals. We look forward to being able to offer our multinational clients the enhanced services that such a union brings.”
Gina Tofallis, EMC sales director, adds, “After 31 years with EMC, I am really looking forward to my next challenge. Simon and I are excited to join the GeigerBTC Team and continue to support our customers with the care and close attention for which we are known.”
Kay and Tofallis will continue to support current EMC clients.
“We could not be more pleased that Simon Kay and Gina Tofallis are joining GeigerBTC,” says Geiger President Jo-an Lantz, MAS+. “EMC has a long tradition of strong relationships with their clients, and their culture and approach match perfectly with GeigerBTC.”
Frank Murphy, managing director of GeigerBTC, adds, “EMS is an iconic name in the UK promotional merchandise market and we are extremely proud to be joining forces with Simon and Gina. We look forward to a very successful partnership.”
In announcing the acquisition of CM Promotions, Geiger said in a statement, “As another family-owned and operated company, CM Promotion’s culture, philosophy and focus on community service make CM Promotions a perfect candidate to join Geiger.”
A veteran of the promotional products industry, Connie Mandula started CM Promotions in 2000 and became the sole owner in 2004, eventually bringing two of her daughters on board—Holly Hedges in 2005 and Alyssa Mandula in 2016.
CM Promotions will continue supporting its current clients and community activities as a part of the Geiger family under the leadership of Connie Mandula. Geiger’s technology will enable CM Promotions to add company stores to their services and better support its client base.
Geiger Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing Chris McKee says, “We couldn’t be more excited to work with Connie Mandula and the CM Promotions team. Connie has built a company that is well respected in the industry, her community and most importantly, her clients.”
