Grossman Marketing Group Acquires PCI Creative Group

Global print management and brand marketing company Grossman Marketing Group, Somerville, Mass., has acquired PCI Creative Group, Stamford, Conn.

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,” said David Grossman, who, along 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.”

“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,” said Anne Chiapetta, principal at PCI Creative. “Grossman was it.”

“This was a perfect acquisition for Grossman Marketing,” said Graphic Arts Advisors LLC managing director Mitch Evans, who served as lead advisor during the process. “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.

The purchase of PCI is Grossman Marketing’s ninth acquisition 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,” John Hyde, managing director of special situations for GAA, said.

“GAA was instrumental in bringing this transaction to a successful conclusion,” Grossman added. “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.”

For more information on Grossman Marketing Group, visit www.grossmanmarketing.com.