iPROMOTEu has announced the acquisition of AIA Corporation. The sale brings together two of the promotional products industry’s top distributor organizations. With combined 2023 sales exceeding $365 million, this acquisition signifies a major shift in the industry landscape and elevates the entity’s influence as a leading distributor network powerhouse.
iPROMOTEu and AIA operate under similar business models and both companies are recognized for helping their distributor members grow their businesses by providing order financing, order processing support, sales and marketing tools, technology solutions and other resources. The acquisition marks a significant milestone in iPROMOTEu’s ongoing mission to provide unparalleled economic and lifestyle opportunities for promotional products distributors and salespeople. It also lays the groundwork for enhancing the support provided to AIA Owners and iPROMOTEu Affiliates while increasing their visibility across the industry. Staff, Affiliates and Owners of iPROMOTEu and AIA were informed of the sale earlier today.
"AIA's business model aligns with iPROMOTEu’s core mission of empowering distributor independence while offering a comprehensive suite of essential resources and top-tier support for their success,” said Lori Bauer, iPROMOTEu Chief Executive Officer. “This strategic acquisition will enhance the market presence of both organizations and brings many competitive advantages. Leveraging our combined strengths will provide countless benefits for both iPROMOTEu Affiliates and AIA Owners, including accelerated advancements in technology and integrations, deeper supplier relationships, enhanced sales and marketing resources, and much more. This will undoubtedly propel growth and help move the industry forward."
Founded in 1981, AIA is a top promotional products distributor organization and is recognized for having a thriving, collaborative Owner community. AIA has seen steady growth in recent years, with revenue of $154.6 million in 2023. CEO Nancy Schmidt started with the organization in 2018 and has served as its top officer since 2020. She has been a driver behind AIA’s growth and success. Schmidt will serve as an executive advisor for a period of time following the close.
"As I reflect on AIA's transformation over the past several years, I am incredibly proud of how our commitment to our purpose and vision has guided us to this pivotal moment,” said Schmidt. “This acquisition marks the next chapter in our journey, where the value we have created for the modern distributor will be fueled with even more new opportunities, forming a truly powerful force in our industry. I am excited about the remarkable potential this union with iPROMOTEu will bring to AIA Owners and to the industry."
Moving forward, AIA will operate as a division of iPROMOTEu. As part of the transition,
iPROMOTEu and AIA will continue to support their respective Affiliates and Owners, with Bauer overseeing the combined senior leadership team. This will enable each organization to leverage synergies to deliver enhanced, best-in-class support, and to continue to provide uninterrupted service.
iPROMOTEu, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, is well-known for its innovation, commitment to its Affiliates, extraordinary supplier relationships and an unparalleled culture and sense of community. iPROMOTEu is dedicated to supporting the success of independent promotional products distributors. Bauer, who joined iPROMOTEu in early 2021, stepped into the CEO role in February 2024, and continues to support and drive this mission. Under her leadership, this acquisition further builds on the company's impressive momentum, achieving growth that reached $211 million in revenue in 2023.
“As we begin this new chapter, we are thrilled about the opportunities on the horizon and eagerly anticipate a future rich with innovation and success for our Affiliates and Owners,” said Bauer.