The marketing services and print management specialist completed the acquisition of Watford-based Get Branding last week.

The firm specialises in the distribution of promotional merchandise, branded products and workwear.

“The one thing that was missing out of the stable was having our own promotional products and workwear distributor,” explained 25/8 chairman Steve Smith.

“Not only do we get control, we cut out a layer of cost for the client – we can use Get Branding to go direct to the manufacturer, but more importantly we get control.

“We’re only three years old and this is now our fourth acquisition. It allows 25/8 to offer a unique 'under one roof' solution to our growing customer base,” Smith added.

25/8 Group’s services now span print management, design, logistics, print finishing, Far East Sourcing and field marketing.

25/8 has taken a 75% stake in Get Branding, leaving the owners with the remaining shares “so they can come on the journey with us and see the benefits of being part of a bigger group”, Smith explained.

He said Get Branding employed 11 currently with sales of around £1.5m, with 25/8 planning to grow that now the business is part of the wider group.

“We’ve got real momentum. I’m blessed to have a really good team and we share a vision – I think we’ve got something that’s unique in the UK market,” Smith noted.

“We’re ahead of where we thought we’d be after three years, and I’m still looking for more acquisitions in the branded product sector and also smaller print management companies.”

Get Branding sales director Malcom Garnett commented: “The acquisition will allow us to support 25/8 Groups clients’ base in how promotional merchandise can help their brand better resonate with their customers, while enhancing the range of services to our existing clients offered by 25/8 Group.”

25/8 Marketing Group completed acquired Prepackit and Cavendish Press at the end of last year.