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A Deep Dive Into Boundless’ Acquisition of Touchstone

New Boundless CEO Aaron Hamer and Touchstone founder Derek Block discuss the mega deal involving the two Top 40 distributors, while offering insights on everything from industry M&A to the future of promo in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

No doubt the acquisition was a blockbuster.

Announced in February, the deal saw Top 40 distributor Boundless (asi/143717) purchase fellow Top 40 firm Touchstone (asi/345631). In the wedding of the firms, a distributorship with more than $200 million in combined reported 2022 North American promotional product revenue was formed.

The industry took notice of the mega deal – as it did when ASI Media broke the news shortly thereafter that Boundless had also appointed a new CEO, experienced corporate executive Aaron Hamer.

In this podcast hosted by ASI Media News Director Christopher Ruvo, Hamer and Touchstone founder Derek Block share insights about how the acquisition came together and what the Boundless/Touchstone partnership means for both companies and the industry.

They also offer compelling insights about how merger and acquisition activity will play out in promo, potentially changing the make-up of the market. Insights on industry-wide sales performance in 2024, opportunities for distributors, and what lies ahead for the branded merchandise business also factor in. Plus, Hamer shares more about his professional background and plans for Boundless.