Distributor HALO (PPAI 106462, D15), headquartered in Sterling, Illinois, has acquired Captiv8 Promotions, a distributor located in New York City.

“Larry Shapiro has built an impressive business by focusing on creative product design and exceptional service to a list of blue-chip clients,” says Marc Simon, CEO of HALO. “The Captiv8 team’s core competencies align perfectly with the growing suite of client-centric offerings we provide at HALO. The addition of Captiv8 to our successful selling and operational teams in New York City—HALO Recognition and the (formerly) Axis Promotions group—will enhance our strategic market strength in this key market.”

Shapiro, president of Captiv8, who will continue as senior vice president of sales with HALO, adds, “Our business continues to grow, and the extensive support HALO provides clients will expand our offering to our current customers and allow us to attract new business, as well. The Captiv8 team is excited to present the breadth and depth of HALO capabilities to our clients.”

Captiv8 Promotions was launched in 1993 with a focus on selling custom baseball caps to local bars and restaurants, and has grown into a branded merchandise agency offering merchandise and event creation for clients in a variety of industries.

Captiv8’s sales, support and creative services team will maintain their Manhattan presence expanding HALO’s footprint in the New York City market.

The move marks the third New York City distributor acquisition for HALO. In January 2020, it acquired Axis Promotions, led by Larry Cohen, and in October 2017 it acquired Michael C. Fina Recognition, which was rebranded as HALO Recognition.

Jim Stutz, HALO’s executive vice president of sales and business development, says, “Captiv8 is a perfect example of the synergy that drives HALO’s growth strategy. The Captiv8 team will provide insightful client development expertise through product design, and HALO will expand the resources available to Captiv8 clients.”