Toronto, Ontario-headquartered distributor Genumark (PPAI 266066, D11) has announced that it has acquired fellow Toronto distributor Rightsleeve (PPAI 221036, D2) in a move it says will strengthen its position in the Canadian marketplace.

“Although both companies are based in Toronto, there is virtually no overlap in client accounts. What we do share is a similar philosophy and business orientation, which focuses on a customer-first culture supported by innovation, great technology and a talented, creative team,” says Mark Freed, Genumark president and CEO.

Mitch Freed, Genumark’s executive vice president of sales and strategy, adds, “We have known and admired Rightsleeve founders Mark and Catherine Graham for many years and have become even closer during Genumark’s implementation of commonsku. They are two of the smartest and nicest people in our industry, and as they turn their full attention to commonsku, we will work hard to preserve and grow what they have built at Rightsleeve, which we plan to operate as a division of Genumark.”

Rightsleeve will continue to operate from its offices in midtown Toronto. Stephen Musgrave will continue to lead Rightsleeve as vice president and general manager. Following this acquisition, Mark and Catherine Graham will focus on commonsku, a workflow management software application they founded in 2011, designed specifically for the promotional products industry.

“We have known the Genumark team for years and have admired their approach to building one of Canada’s great promotional products companies,” says Mark Graham, Rightsleeve’s founder and CEO.

Catherine Graham, Rightsleeve’s president, adds, “Rightsleeve’s creative agency expertise complements Genumark’s strong company program infrastructure. We are very excited about the synergies between the two companies.”