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Orbus Group Acquires SEG Systems & Services

SEG’s clients include mega brands like Audi, Nike, Dior and Adidas.

Orbus Exhibit & Display Group (asi/75209) just got bigger.

The Woodridge, IL-headquartered group of brands that specializes in the manufacture and production of portable, modular and custom displays has acquired SEG Systems & Services, whose clients include household names like Audi, Nike, Dior, Converse and Wrangler.  Financial terms of the deal were not released.

“Orbus is excited to explore the outstanding custom capabilities of SEG and its remarkable team,” said Orbus CEO Gary Keefer.

Based in Charlotte, NC, SEG Systems focuses on the engineering, design and manufacture of lightboxes, frames, and merchandising and display systems. Products are made in-house and finished under one roof, the company said. “Whether it’s a simple frame, retail display, trade show booth or a custom creation, SEG Systems has your back when it comes to being on brand, on time and on budget,” SEG said in a company statement.

Said Keefer of SEG: “They have demonstrated superior speed, precision and creativity in their solutions. Further, SEG’s assortment of frames and light boxes complement and supplement Orbus’ existing offering.”

Meanwhile, Portland, OR-based SEG Services is a full-service retail marketing agency. The firm offers design, production and execution. Just like its sister brand in Charlotte, SEG Services has high-profile clients, including Adidas, Under Armour, Crocs, Columbia and Victoria’s Secret.

SEG President Reid Johnson will continue to lead the SEG teams, becoming part of the executive suite at Orbus.

“Being a part of the Orbus Group significantly expands our resources and capabilities across North America,” said Johnson. “Access to an expansive range of visual communications solutions, supported by an exceptional team committed to service, promises a limitless future for what we can do together.”

Orbus Group has supply and manufacturing operations in Chicago, Las Vegas, Charlotte and Toronto. The firm produces solutions for events, exhibits, retail and corporate interiors. Beyond SEG, brands within the group include The Exhibitors’ Handbook, Promo Handbook, Nimlok, Nimlok Canada, Fabric Images, Ultima Displays Canada and SignPro Systems.

Orbus’ acquisition of SEG continues the recent fast pace of mergers and acquisitions in the promotional products industry.

High profile deals in May, for instance, included Top 40 distributor HALO Branded Solutions (asi/356000), promo’s biggest distributor by revenue, acquiring Top 40 firm BrandVia Alliance (asi/145037). Hardly a week later, White Plains, NY-based distributor Zagwear (asi/365552), a large firm with international offices, acquired New York City-based distributor Arrow Promotional (asi/124500).

In April, Top 40 supplier S&S Activewear (asi/84358), promo’s third largest supplier, purchased TSF Sportswear – a deal that followed S&S’s November acquisition of TSC Apparel, which at the time was promo’s 14th biggest supplier by revenue.

Some promo products executives think acquisitions will continue to increase, driven by factors like the rising cost of doing business, technology requirements and an aging executive/owner class in the industry.