Clayton Kendall (asi/162968) is expanding.

The private equity-backed branded merchandise distributor, whose clients have included household names like Mrs. Fields, DICK’S Sporting Goods and Panera Bread, has made what executives described as a strategic investment in Concord Marketing Solutions (asi/166445), a Glendale Heights, IL-based distributor and Counselor Best Place to Work.

Financial terms of the deal between the privately held companies were not released, but Kendall Clayton CEO Dan Broudy told ASI Media that the combined entity represents an overall $100 million business.

Executives noted that the Concord Marketing Solutions leadership team, including founders Kirk Graves (CEO) and Robert Conte (president), as well as Executive Vice President Jerry Brauneis, Chief Operating Officer C.J. Ritterbusch and Vice President of Sales Kevin Roselli, will remain in place to “ensure a seamless transition and continuity for employees and customers.”

“We are excited to bring together two organizations that align so well in culture, mission and service excellence.”Dan Broudy, Clayton Kendall (asi/162968)

Also, Concord Marketing Solutions will continue to operate from its Glendale Heights, IL, facility as a division of the Clayton Kendall organization.

“We are excited to bring together two organizations that align so well in culture, mission and service excellence,” said Broudy. “Concord Marketing Solutions has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality promotional solutions. By joining forces, we are expanding our reach and capabilities, ensuring that brands have the best resources to grow and succeed.”

Broudy asserted that Concord Marketing Solutions and its clients will now benefit from Clayton Kendall’s technology, fulfillment network and in-house printing capabilities, which include offset, large format, small format and sublimation. Meanwhile, Concord Marketing Solutions brings to the table stout online store solutions and a robust on-demand decorating system, executives said.

“Partnering with Clayton Kendall represents an exciting evolution for our company and our customers,” said Kirk Graves, CEO of Concord Marketing Solutions. “This collaboration allows us to scale our offerings, drive innovation and maintain the creativity and customer care that have been at the heart of Concord for over 30 years.”

Graves and Conte founded Concord Marketing Solutions in 1993. For more than 20 years now, the firm has specialized in operating company store programs with what leaders have described as a “pay as you go” solution. Concord Marketing Solutions has focused on creating what employees described as a culture of caring, one in which diversity, equity and inclusion takes center stage.

“This collaboration allows us to scale our offerings, drive innovation and maintain the creativity and customer care that have been at the heart of Concord for over 30 years.” Kirk Graves, Concord Marketing Solutions (asi/166445)

Regina, Daniel and Michael Broudy founded Clayton Kendall in 1999 as a small startup with six employees. The firm has grown greatly, now serving clients around the world. It focuses especially on what executives described as supply chain solutions that help “franchise communities and multi-location businesses scale rapidly, reduce costs and effectively manage promotional items, apparel, POP/signage kits and marketing collateral.”

Counselor magazine named Regina Broudy Counselor’s Distributor Woman of Distinction in 2015. She is no longer involved with the business.

In 2023, Pittsburgh, PA-based PNC Riverarch invested in Clayton Kendall. Daniel Broudy continued as CEO, with Michael staying on as president of the distributorship. PNC Riverarch is a middle-market private equity firm that invests in privately held companies in North America and Europe. The firm’s website says it has invested more than $1.5 billion and made 35 platform acquisitions, as well as more than 125 add-on acquisitions.

In 2018, Clayton Kendall said it was awarded the G7 Certification, a recognition of excellence in printing and an international standard met by only approximately 1,100 print providers worldwide, according to the company. Clayton Kendall has taken home other recognitions too, including being named a Pittsburgh Business Times Top 100 Privately Held Company and a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Top Workplace.

Blockbuster acquisitions involving Counselor Top 40 firms, international business purchases and a bevy of domestic deals made 2024 arguably the most momentous year ever for mergers and acquisitions in the promotional products industry. The dealmaking has continued in 2025.