BDA Announces Definitive Agreement to Acquire Evigna

Woodinville, Washington-based Bensussen Deutsch & Associates Inc. (BDA), the nation’s premier Merchandise Agency and recognized leader in sports and entertainment merchandise activation, announced it has reached a definitive agreement to acquire Evigna, a Detroit-based merchandise distributor that counts numerous Fortune 100 companies as long-standing clients and works with many of the world’s most prominent automotive brands including Ford Motor Company, Honda Motor Sports, Land Rover and Jaguar. Other clients include GE, Shell, BlueCross BlueShield, Cummins, WellPoint, Marriott and HBO. The deal is expected to close in May 2010; full terms are not being disclosed.

“Like BDA, Evigna truly understands the power of branded merchandise. Over the past two decades, they have succeeded in building a complete set of capabilities designed to bring innovative marketing/brand activation campaigns to their clients,” said Jay Deutsch, CEO and co-founder of BDA. “BDA will have an opportunity to work with the impressive client roster and amazing brands assembled by Evigna. In addition, their clients will now benefit from the BDA Merchandise Agency model that combines unparalleled buying power and a laser focus on safe products and QCA accreditation with more than 26 years of client-focused creativity and innovation. This is truly a win-win for all parties involved.”

Founded in 1985, Evigna has grown to become the nation’s largest minority-owned distributor of branded merchandise, currently employing more than 80 people in Detroit and seven satellite offices around the country (Chicago; Bethesda, Md.; New York; Columbus, Ind.; Indianapolis; Houston and Charleston, SC). Evigna provides a full range of services designed to help its clients bring their brands to life through the creation, manufacturing and delivery of quality brand merchandise.

“For many years we have admired what BDA has built and we have worked hard to emulate their success,” said Marc Belanski, CEO of Evigna. “We’re proud to join the BDA family and are confident this acquisition will benefit Evigna’s distinguished clientele. We also believe this will prove to be a significant milestone for our dedicated employees who have worked tirelessly to build Evigna into a prominent industry leader.”

“After spending time meeting many of the Evigna staff, I’m excited for this amazing addition to the BDA family and for such a precise fit of two incredible company cultures,” continued Deutsch.

About BDA