Polyconcept Acquires ETS Express

Polyconcept, the New Kensington, Pennsylvania-based parent company of suppliers Leed's, Bullet, Journalbooks and Trimark, announced last night that it has successfully acquired ETS Express, though the acquisition was finalized on Nov. 29. The move will bolster PCNA's drinkware footprint within the promotional products industry.

“ETS’s demonstrated leadership in design and decoration creates exciting new opportunities for PCNA and our distributor partners," Neil Ringel, CEO of Polyconcept, said in a press release. "Its culture, values, and service philosophy are in strong alignment with our own. We welcome the addition of the ETS team and are excited to work together to ensure that this strategic alliance capitalizes on their leadership position while also ensuring that each of our individual brands remains highly differentiated in the marketplace.”

ETS will continue to operate out of its Oxnard, Calif., headquarters and all company sales and marketing will remain independent to "stay exclusively focused on the drinkware category," according to the release. Current ETS CEO Sharon Eyal will stay on to lead the company, and also will join the PCNA executive leadership team.

"I have personally know the PCNA team for many years, and because they strongly share our commitment to service and excellence, I couldn't be happier they will be our partner," Eyal said. "This transaction is a testament to ETS's employees and all that we've accomplished together over the last 34 years."

Polyconcept has had an eventful 2019. It appointed Ringel to his position in February, and added CamelBak, Herschel and Welly products to its inventory. It also named Liz Haesler its new global chief merchandising officer and launched its EcoSmart program in August.

The supplier is also part of the growing trend of private equity boosting the status of promotional products companies, having been acquired Charlesbank Capital Partners in 2016.

“We are delighted to support the expansion of PCNA and to help bring together two leading companies in the promotional industry,” said Alex Weiss, a Charlesbank principal. “We look forward to a successful integration building on the cultural similarities, talent and best practices of these two companies, all of which will position them for a stronger future together.”

For more information on Polyconcept, visit www.pcna.com.