Backed by a private equity firm, Top 40 promotional products supplier Next Level Apparel (NLA, asi/73867) has made an international acquisition.

The Torrance, CA-headquartered apparel company has acquired Aachen, Germany-based Stedman GmbH, which designs and manufacturers blank casual wear and sports apparel that it sells in 40 countries. Financial terms of the deal were not released.

The acquisition will serve as a kind of launching board for NLA to expand sales in Europe, executives said.

“The Stedman team has built a strong brand and a culture of excellence, and we’re excited to have them join Next Level Apparel,” said NLA CEO Randy Hales. “This partnership presents a great opportunity to expand and diversify both organizations’ footprints across Europe and the U.S.”

Marcel Schweigert, general manager of Stedman, said the partnership opens growth opportunities for both his firm and NLA.

“The team at Stedman is excited to join ranks with Next Level Apparel, a strong partner and the perfect match, thanks to numerous synergistic qualities and values across both companies,” said Schweigert. “I am personally thrilled to be part of it, not only as a stakeholder but also as a shareholder.”

Since 2018, NLA has been a portfolio company of Cleveland, OH-headquartered private equity firm Blue Point Capital Partners, which effectively made the acquisition through NLA. Blue Point also has promo supplier Spector & Co. (asi/88660) in its portfolio. More acquisitions in the promo space could be in the cards.

“Not only is this an exciting milestone for all involved, it also further validates our belief in M&A and geographic expansion as key drivers for the business’s strategic growth,” said Blue Point Principal Evan Cottington.

Founded in 2003, NLA designs, manufactures and supplies fashion-forward blank apparel to markets that include promo, retail, brand specialty and more.

Based on estimated 2021 North American promo product revenue of $275 million, Next Level Apparel ranked seventh on Counselor’s most recent list of the largest suppliers in the industry.

Blue Point invests in lower middle-market companies in verticals that include consumer and industrial. The firm manages more than $1.5 billion in committed capital. Its principals have been investing together for more than two decades.

“With offices in Cleveland, Charlotte, Seattle and Shanghai, Blue Point’s geographical footprint allows it to establish relationships with local and regional entrepreneurs and advisors while providing the perspectives and resources of a global organization,” the company said.