4imprint Sales Increase 15 Percent in Q1

4imprint Group, the international promotional products company headed by top 50 distributor 4imprint, announced it's first quarter 2012 sales numbers last week. Revenue for the group across all departments was up 37.48 million pounds (approximately $60.3 million), up 15 percent over the same quarter in 2011.

The company's direct marketing business, which accounts for a majority of its revenue, was up 15 percent at 33.98 million pounds ($54.6 million). Most of that revenue came from 4imprint's North American operations, bringing in $51 million for the quarter, a 14 percent increase from the same quarter last year. Orders from previous customers in North America saw a 21 percent jump in the same period. The UK branch saw modest increases of 6 percent for the period.

The numbers announced in last week's 4imprint Group meeting were congruent with statements the made this year about increasing focus on the U.S. promotional product business. In February, the group announced it would sell its Brand Addition division to a private equity firm. Brand Addition was 4imprint Group's promotional product branch operating primarily in Europe. The deal was finalized on March 23 for approximately $34.6 million, with an addition $2 million due by March 2013.

4imprint Group still retains its SPS division, which saw a 10 percent increase in revenue at 3.83 million pounds ($6.16 million). SPS is the largest promotional products manufacturer in the United Kingdom.

"The positive momentum demonstrated by the business over the course of the last year has continued into 2012 and, subject to continued stable economic conditions in the U.S., the board anticipates further organic growth in line with its goal of doubling the direct marketing business over the next five years," the company said in a statement.

For more information, visit 4imprint Group's website.