ASI Acquires PRINTING United Alliance's Promo-Focused Events and Media Portfolio   Learn More

News

A4 Acquires LabFit Apparel

The Los Angeles-based supplier says that acquisition will help drive growth.

A4 (asi/30121) is making moves.

The Los Angeles-area supplier/manufacturer of team and corporate apparel for the promo products industry has acquired LabFit Apparel, an Irvine, CA-based company that provides sublimated teamwear and uniforms. Financial terms of the deal were not released.

Mark Mertens and Todd Levine

Mark Mertens, Todd Levine

A4 said the businesses are complementary with synergies that will help power success. Todd Levine, founder of LabFit, is joining A4 in the role of president. Mark Mertens will continue as chairman/CEO of A4, a family-owned company that has operated since 1971.

“Todd’s addition to our management team completes a strategic move that will ensure our independence and continued growth,” said Mertens. “I have known Todd for many years. We were strong competitors who always respected each other.”

Levine launched LabFit earlier this year. The Harvard-educated executive was formerly president of team apparel brand Alleson Athletic.

“I am thrilled to work with Mark and the A4 team,” said Levine. “The integrity, service and values at A4 are 100% aligned with my past experiences in the industry, and I look forward to being part of the company’s strategic plans to rise to new heights.”

Following a lull during the COVID-19 pandemic, merger and acquisition activity has increased again in the promo products industry. Last week, for instance, Minnesota-based The Occasions Group acquired the assets of Greenville, NC-headquartered supplier Accu Copy (asi/30490).

The Occasions Group is part of Taylor Corporation, which is also the parent firm of Top 40 distributor Taylor Promotional Products (asi/333647), Top 40 supplier ADG Promotional Products (asi/97270), and Amsterdam Printing (asi/121500), among many others.