The deal isn’t just an acquisition – it’s an evolution.

That’s how Carleen Gray, CEO of GroupeSTAHL (asi/88984), describes the Michigan-headquartered provider of heat printing technology’s just-announced purchase of TKO Sales (asi/90592) – a Pompano Beach, FL-based heat transfer manufacturer that also has a facility on the West Coast.

Carleen Gray, GroupeSTAHL (asi/88984)

“TKO is a perfect fit,” said Gray, a member of Counselor’s Power 50 list of promo’s most influential people. “Its strategic geographic locations, unique heat transfer technologies and entrepreneurial culture complement and amplify everything we stand for.”

The companies did not announce financial terms of the deal.

Gray said that TKO has a talented team and more than 100,000 square feet of manufacturing capacity across its locations. To GroupeSTAHL, executives said this brings: greater manufacturing efficiencies and capacity; expanded geographic coverage to better serve coast-to-coast customers; diversification in print formats, chemistry and techniques; and new technology that can fuel heat printing innovation.

Notably, TKO Sales’ founder Christian Zarate will continue leading the firm as company president.

“I started TKO in the middle of COVID with a dream, a plan and a lot of faith,” said Zarate. “My goal was to build a company that puts the customer first and delivers superior heat transfer solutions, day in and day out. Joining the GroupeSTAHL family is like coming home.”

In business since 1932, GroupeSTAHL offers heat printing equipment, materials, software and fulfillment services. The company’s brands include STAHLS’ Transfer Express, Hotronix, STAHLS’, and STAHLS’ Fulfill Engine. STAHLS’ has been making headlines of late, with everything from its focus on print on demand and decoration innovations, to appointing a new EMEA director.