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Acosta Group to acquire Crossmark, Product Connections

Acosta Group will acquire Crossmark, including its headquarters sales agency and retail solutions businesses, and Product Connections, a marketing services business, from WIS International.
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Acosta Group has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Crossmark, including its headquarters sales agency and retail solutions businesses, and Product Connections, a marketing services business, from WIS International. 

WIS International will retain its inventory verification services business. This transaction will further accelerate Acosta Group’s ongoing transformation, enhancing the company’s role as a proven growth engine for brandsfrom emerging to iconicacross all retail channels. 

“The acquisition of Crossmark and Product Connections organizations, with outstanding people and complementary sales, retail, and marketing services and solutions, represents another milestone in our transformation journey,” said Brian Wynne, CEO of Acosta Group. “Today’s announcement reflects our commitment to continued investment in our people, technology, client and customer relationships, and business overall, creating enhanced value for all of our stakeholders.” 

[Read more: Clean-label products driving retail sales, Acosta Group study finds]

Wynne added, “Our strong balance sheet enables us to make these strategic investments. Our acquisition of Crossmark and Product Connections will strengthen our ability to provide valuable services for our customers in an industry facing persistent macroeconomic challenges, changing consumer behaviors, and further CPG and retailer consolidation. We look forward to elevating how we serve brand owners and retailers with leading-edge solutions to deliver on our purpose of connecting consumers with the brands they love.” 

The Crossmark and Product Connections sales and marketing agencies have served brands and retailers for more than 100 years, and the company’s core services today include headquarter sales, retail services and marketing services.   

[Read more: HRG’s five notable products from May 2023]

“Based on Acosta Group’s successful transformation under Brian and his leadership team, we are confident they will be a strong steward of Crossmark, Product Connections, and our customers and people for the long term,” said Jim Rose, CEO of WIS International. “We are excited about the opportunities that being a part of Acosta Group will create for our Crossmark and Product Connections associates, clients, and customers.” 

The company added that the combination will bring together the best of these trusted brands and organizations across omnichannel retail in an increasingly competitive and disruptive macroenvironment. Per the companies, the expected benefits of a combined Acosta Group, Crossmark and Product Connections include: 

  • Delivering an expanded set of services and solutions across categories, channels and geographies
  • Strengthening retail service delivery and execution
  • Elevating how the company serves the full array of clients, from emerging to iconic brands
  • Doubling down on investments to develop and grow the company’s diverse, talented workforce

Following the close of the transaction, Acosta Group will continue to be led by Brian Wynne, CEO of Acosta Group. Jim Rose will remain as WIS International’s CEO, leading the inventory verification services business. Completion of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval. 

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