London-based 4imprint Group PLC, the parent company of Top 40 distributor 4imprint (asi/197045), announced yesterday that its 2014 revenues totaled $415.8 million, an increase of 24.9% from the previous year’s $332.9 million in sales. Revenue in the company’s North American division, which is responsible for most of the overall organization’s sales, jumped to $399 million from 2013’s total of $320 million.

The company attributed its business success in 2014 in part to its 26% increase in marketing spending during the year. The larger marketing budget helped 4imprint achieve 24% growth in orders from new customers in 2014 and a 23% jump in business from existing customers. In addition to revenue increases, 4imprint also experienced profit growth in 2014, as its pre-tax profit jumped from $14.5 million in 2013 to $23.3 million last year.

“2014 was another year of good progress for the group,” said John Poulter, chairman of 4imprint, in a statement. “Even by the growth standards established in prior years, the direct marketing business, now the group's sole business, had an exceptional year. Early indications for 2015 are positive and in line with our aspirations.”

As a result of the success of the company’s North American division, 4imprint announced last month that Kevin Lyons-Tarr, CEO of the 4imprint North American and direct marketing business, would become CEO of the entire organization. The move is effective as of March 31, and Lyons-Tarr will remain based in the United States following the appointment. Poulter, who had been CEO of the overall organization and executive chairman of 4imprint, will relinquish his executive responsibilities later in 2015 and will become non-executive chairman.

Last year, 4imprint ranked third on Counselor’s Top 40 list of the largest distributors in the North American ad specialty market.