Mountain Lakes, N.J. – Global print management and brand marketing company Grossman Marketing Group, Somerville, MA, has acquired PCI Creative Group, a cross-media marketing firm based in Stamford, CT. Representing PCI in the transaction was Graphic Arts Advisors, LLC (GAA), Mountain Lakes, NJ, an M&A advisory and consulting firm focused exclusively on the printing, packaging, mailing, marketing production services, and related graphic communications industries. GAA Managing Director Mitch Evans served as lead advisor on the engagement.

The two companies had a number of similar services as well as distinct offerings that will provide customers of both firms access to an expanded service portfolio. Grossman Marketing Group is a 111-year-old, fourth-generation family-owned company specializing in the production of branded merchandise, commercial printing, direct mail and marketing services, and enterprise-level e-commerce solutions for ordering and distributing marketing materials. PCI Creative Group provides marketing services including content creation, graphic design and production of marketing materials, and the execution of digital and social media marketing programs.

Negotiations for the transaction took place entirely during the time of social lockdown brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. The owners of the two firms met only virtually. “Meeting via Zoom rather than face to face was a challenge,” recalls David Grossman, who, with his brother Ben Grossman, serves as co-president of Grossman Marketing Group. “However, with all parties asking the right questions and the guidance of GAA, we were able to see the synergies between the two firms and determine this was the right move for us and our customers.”

Anne Chiapetta, Principal at PCI Creative, echoes that view. “Company leaders at PCI Creative felt it was time to take a less active role in day-to-day operations and were looking for a great partner to which to pass the torch. Grossman was it,” she said.

“This was a perfect acquisition for Grossman Marketing,” said GAA’s Evans. “Our client, PCI, was a smaller version of their company with a roster of longstanding and loyal clients and will fit in perfectly with Grossman’s culture.”

PCI’s work product has transitioned to Grossman, which is retaining all of PCI’s employees, who will work remotely. To help facilitate a seamless transition, Grossman Marketing has hired two PCI partners who will remain with the company for up to six months.

Always on the lookout for strategic acquisitions, the purchase of PCI is Grossman Marketing’s ninth in 11 years. “Buyers such as Grossman Marketing gain market presence and continue to grow by adding well-established meaningful customer relationships through M&A,” said GAA’s John Hyde, Esq., Managing Director, Special Situations, who frequently advises buyers on M&A transactions.

“GAA was instrumental in bringing this transaction to a successful conclusion,” said David Grossman. “They helped us craft a purchasing strategy and an offer that helped protect our interests while also helping the sellers achieve their goals and aspirations. GAA’s knowledge of the printing and graphic communications industry, and their experience of the ins-and-outs of M&A was invaluable.”

About Graphic Arts Advisors, LLC (graphicartsadvisors.com): Graphic Arts Advisors is a national M&A advisory and consulting firm focused exclusively on the printing, packaging, mailing, marketing services, brand management, and related graphic communications industries. Services include mergers and acquisitions; business valuations; assisting owners and lenders in challenging situations; financing; strategic counsel & advisory; and expert analysis & opinions.

About PCI Creative Group (https://pcigroup.net/): Based in Stamford, CT, PCI Creative Group is a cross-media marketing company with a full slate of services, including marketing, graphic design, print and web design, copywriting, digital and offset printing, fulfillment and mailing, variable data, personalization, web and interactive, email marketing, advertising specialties, social media, and a range of turnkey services.

About Grossman Marketing Group (https://grossmanmarketing.com/): Based in Somerville, MA, the fourth-generation, family-owned Grossman Marketing Group is a global brand marketing agency with a commitment to ingenuity and innovation. Services include branded merchandise, enterprise-level e-commerce solutions, experiential marketing, event materials, banners and signs direct marketing solutions, commercial printing, and direct mail.