As reported Friday in a PPB Newslink Breaking News, distributor American Solutions for Business (UPIC: AMER0005) has acquired Columbus, Ohio-based Optimum Companies. Financial terms of the acquisition, part of an expansion initiative to extend ASB’s national footprint, were not disclosed.

Optimum has operated distribution centers in Columbus, Orlando, Houston and Denver, delivering printed products and supplies for financial institutions across the country, managing more than 1,000 ship-to locations. Once ranked as the largest independently owned provider of printed products and supplies to community banks in the U.S., the company has 30 years of experience in the financial industry, serving a broad spectrum of clients and institutions.

“American and Optimum Companies have a common passion to be customer-driven, solution-oriented and to provide the best customer service in the industry,” says Larry Zavadil, founder and CEO of Glenwood, Minnesota-based ASB. “Clients of Optimum will now have the opportunity to choose from an expanded line of products and services. They'll see a wider array of new technologies and additional cost-saving opportunities available because of American's exceptional purchasing power. I see this as a win-win situation for everyone and I welcome the clients, sales associates and staff of Optimum Companies to the American family."

John Martin, who founded Optimum with his wife, Dorothy, in 1985, will assume the role of national director of American Financial Solutions group.  “We’re happy to be part of a company that shares our strong commitment to doing what is right while focusing on customer needs,” says Martin. “Recently the Ohio Bankers League approved ASB as an endorsed partner. We look forward to expanding our strong relationship with OBL, having been an endorsed partner since 1989.”  The sales associates from the Columbus location along with the 12-member staff will provide continuity in the relationships that have been built with clients over the past 30 years.

Bob Fiala and Dean Manzetti will assume the management of the Columbus office. Both have extensive backgrounds in the print and promotional products industry and with ASB. They will work with sales and staff to move forward with growth strategies for the Columbus regional support center.