Noblesville, IN-headquartered promo distributor ScreenBroidery (asi/305623), a 2024 Counselor Best Place To Work, is acquiring Orlando, FL-based Thumbprint (asi/293564), a distributorship that’s worked with household name clients like Hertz, Sandals, Delta, Hilton and Dollar Tree.

Financial terms of the deal were not released, but Screenbroidery CEO Tom Rector told ASI Media that, combined, the firms are projecting $36 million in revenue for 2025. Had they been wed in 2024, combined revenue would have been $32 million, he noted.

Tom Rector, Screenbroidery (asi/305623); Greg and Brian Gill, Thumbprint (asi/293564)

The deal remains subject to customary closing conditions but is expected to get final ink within the next 30 days or so.

While Screenbroidery is the acquiring firm, the company plans to unite both distributorships under the Thumbprint name, going to market under that brand.

Rector explained that Screenbroidery was already planning to rebrand regardless of the acquisition. The Thumbprint name has strong recognition with a broader base of large clients and is a better reflection of the myriad services the firms can provide, which include print automation, fulfillment, web stores, apparel decoration and the full gamut of branded merchandise solutions.

Executives said the combined company will leverage ScreenBroidery’s creative expertise and Thumbprint’s technology-driven capabilities to provide stellar service and solutions.

“Thumbprint’s cutting-edge technology and proven processes make them a perfect fit as we continue to grow,” said Rector. “This merger is another step toward our goal of acquiring six to seven companies in the next five years to achieve 20% or more year-over-year growth.”

The leadership structure of the new firm will feature Rector as CEO and Screenbroidery’s Gabe Peters as president, while current Thumbprint President Brian Gill is joining as chief revenue officer.

Essentially, the rest of the Thumbprint team is coming aboard as well. Greg Gill, who founded Thumbprint about 30 years ago and who has played a lead role in spearheading it into a promo powerhouse, is retiring.

“We couldn’t have more respect and admiration for the incredible company that Greg has created,” Rector told ASI Media. In a statement, he continued: “Greg has spent three decades building a business that exemplifies innovation, dedication and customer obsession. Thumbprint’s expertise aligns perfectly with our vision, and together, we’ll elevate the branded merchandise experience for our clients.”

“Thumbprint’s cutting-edge technology and proven processes make them a perfect fit as we continue to grow.” Tom Rector, Screenbroidery (asi/305623)

In a joint statement, Greg and Brian Gill called the merger with Screenbroidery an exciting new chapter.

“Over the years, we’ve been committed to redefining the possibilities in our industry through technology and superior service,” the Gills said. “Joining forces with ScreenBroidery allows us to expand our reach and enhance our offerings while maintaining our commitment to excellence. I’m confident this merger will bring tremendous opportunities for our clients and team.”

Opinion: 2024 has been the #promoproducts market's most momentous year ever for mergers and acquisitions. I explain why I think that is -- and what's behind all the deal-making -- in this commentary.https://t.co/v9Mj3jLXQV

— Chris Ruvo (@ChrisR_ASI) November 8, 2024

In a unique move, Screenbroidery sought to build pre-formal acquisition announcement buzz by sending certain influencers in the promotional products industry briefcases with a “Mission Impossible” theme. The cases featured invisible ink messages, confidential documents and fingerprint kits, all created to help recipients discover the big acquisition news.

“It’s moving to see the love and support surrounding our covert-kit release,” Rector said on LinkedIn.

When it comes to M&A, Screenbroidery has been aggressive of late. In December 2024, the 17-year-old company acquired Graphicon Inc. (asi/212902), an Indianapolis-based promo distributorship that’s been in business since 1996.

Blockbuster acquisitions involving Counselor Top 40 firms, international business purchases and a flurry of smaller domestic deals made 2024 arguably the most momentous year ever for M&A in the promotional products industry. The dealmaking has continued in 2025’s early days.