DALLAS, May 20, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- American
Achievement Corporation®, the preeminent manufacturer and digital
retailer of customized products including yearbooks, jewelry, photo
and print products, graduation supplies and apparel, has completed
its merger with Iconic Group®, the leader in graduation photography
in the United States. This creates
an unparalleled product and service offering in the scholastic and
collegiate graduation market. The merger closed on May 7, 2019.
American Achievement Corporation® (AAC) is the parent company of
the highly recognizable brands Balfour®, ArtCarved®, Keepsake®,
Taylor Publishing® and Gaspard® Cap and Gowns. With recent
investments in process innovation and technology, Balfour leads the
industry in new product development and user-first software to
better serve the needs of its customers.
AAC's investors were initially drawn to Iconic Group® because of
its position as the dominant provider of photography services at
college and university graduations. Iconic Group's track record of
flawless execution and innovation is unrivaled in the industry. The
company, operating under the GradImages®, University Photo® and
MarathonFoto® brands, provides professional photography to more
than 2,500 colleges and universities each year.
"Together we are better positioned to serve our clients and
deliver the best of both companies' talents, systems and
processes," said Bob Myers,
President and CEO of American Achievement Corporation. "With the
ability to cross-sell, we're creating a graduation experience for
schools, students and families alike that is unmatched in the
industry."
The highly complementary combination will leverage the increased
resources of the two companies and provide a best-in-class
experience for graduation photography, products and services that
celebrate the most memorable moments in a student's life.
"The addition of graduation and on-campus photography to AAC's
already robust lineup of products and services is a win for both
brands' client base," Denise Conroy,
CEO of Iconic Group said. "Iconic Group's attractive business model
fits very well with AAC. Together, we share a purpose-driven
culture and client-first mentality."
The combined company will be headquartered in Dallas, while continuing Iconic Group's
operations in Atlanta and
Tallahassee, FL.
ABOUT AAC: For more than a century, American Achievement
Corporation® has celebrated the most meaningful moments in
students' lives. Operating under the brands Balfour®, ArtCarved®,
Keepsake®, Taylor Publishing® and Gaspard® Cap and Gowns, it leads
the industry with products like class rings, yearbooks, letter
jackets and graduation regalia. With recent investments in digital
technology and product innovation, AAC is innovating tradition with
best-in-class software for yearbooks, 3D printing for rings and
school enrichment programs aimed at positively affecting campus
culture. For more information, visit http://www.balfour.com.
ABOUT ICONIC GROUP, INC.:
Iconic Group is the undisputed leader in professional commencement
photography. The company takes over 50 million images annually at
over 2,500 colleges, universities and high schools. Operating under
the GradImages®, University Photo® and MarathonFoto® brands, Iconic
Group is renowned for flawless execution through its unparalleled
network of photographers and leading-edge technology. The company
is the best in the business at handling some of the largest and
most complex graduation events. For more information, visit
http://www.iconicgroup.com.
SOURCE American Achievement Corporation