Boundless (PPAI 267078, D11) – ranked the No. 14 distributor in the inaugural PPAI 100 – has announced the acquisition of Mason, Ohio-based distributor Touchstone.

In recent years, Touchstone has consistently reported sales north of $50 million. Already one of the fastest-growing companies in the industry, Boundless won High Marks for Growth in the 2023 PPAI 100, its revenue expanding by 70% since 2019. The acquisition could bring Boundless’s top line to north of $200 million.

According to Boundless, Touchstone has established an agency-style creative services offering, invested in a warehouse fulfillment operation and implemented cloud-based NetSuite ERP software across its organization, all of which attracted the Austin-based firm.

“The acquisition of Touchstone deepens Boundless’ competency and expertise in three core areas: creative services, warehousing and fulfillment and enterprise technology systems,” says Charley Dean, chairman of Boundless. “Boundless’ clients and sales partners will benefit from Touchstone’s expertise in these areas as Boundless strives to be the industry’s leading distributor partner.”

Touchstone’s Signature Methodology

The BrandEQ System is Touchstone’s unique approach to collaborative brand building and merchandise curation. The system incorporates creative services, webstores and fulfillment operations to provide a seamless brand merchandise solution for enterprises.

“I’m energized by this growth opportunity,” says Touchstone President Andrew Backen. “We’re especially excited to continue growing the BrandEQ system in partnership with Boundless Network.”

Boundless – named one of the Greatest Companies To Work For in 2023 and 2022 – has grown substantially over the past two years, announcing the acquisition of a Minnesota-based distributor and several high-profile executive hires in early 2023, and a new CEO in July 2022.

Touchstone’s Origin

In 1996, Derek Block founded Touchstone, originally named The Aztec Group, and has grown the firm into one of the largest distributors in the promotional products industry with 21 offices across the United States.

“We’ve gotten to know Boundless over several years and are thrilled with this fit,” Block says. “Touchstone and Boundless are both team-oriented cultures where high-performing individuals with specialized skills can thrive. I’m excited about what this combined team will accomplish together.”

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission by PPAI