Brown & Bigelow Merges With Best Promotions
Vol. 796 
March 8, 2011

Strengthening its presence on the West Coast, Counselor Top 40 distributor Brown & Bigelow (asi/148500) has merged with California-based Best Promotions (asi/138557). Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. “Best Promotions has a portfolio of entertainment licenses as well as some technology and Internet capabilities that we’re really excited about,” says Bill Smith, Jr., executive vice president of Brown & Bigelow. “They have very positive sales trends that we hope to continue.”

According to the deal, which was finalized on March 4, Best Promotions will maintain its Southern California location and operate exactly like other Brown & Bigelow offices. Founded in 1990 by Anil Chandwani, Best Promotions employs 10 salespeople plus administrative personnel. “Anil will still have an informal, ongoing role in building on business relationships,” Smith says. “He will help in the transition.”

The merger with Best Promotions is the second significant deal announced by Brown & Bigelow in the last six months. In October, Brown & Bigelow acquired The Adcentive Group, a San Diego-based distributor. Ranked by Counselor as the 23rd largest distributor in the ad specialty industry, Brown & Bigelow reported 2010 sales of $57.6 million. “Our overall sales this year, based on acquired volume, are up double-digits,” Smith says.