ADPRO, one of the largest Nike Team dealers in US, joins PSE family
Terry and Kim Pegula on Monday announced they have acquired a majority interest in team sports dealer and branded merchandise provider ADPRO Sports.
Ron Raccuia will remain as president of ADPRO and maintain ownership in the new partnership, along with the existing ADPRO management team. Raccuia will lead ADPRO's integration with Pegula Sports and Entertainment's PicSix Creative agency, advancing PicSix's national reach as a one-stop shop that provides custom-branded merchandising, creative design, marketing and communications services.
"Terry and I have identified potential for significant national growth with ADPRO and see it as a tremendous asset for Buffalo, which makes it a perfect fit as our next investment in the area," said Kim Pegula, owner and CEO of PSE. "Not only has ADPRO provided great value as a partner of the Bills, Sabres and our additional companies, it is an emerging leader in the multibillion-dollar branded merchandise market. It is our goal to expand its national presence and notably increase its Western New York workforce."
ADPRO Sports has grown into one of the nation's largest team sports dealers and branded merchandise providers representing major industry leaders such as Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, New Era Cap Co., and many other brands. The full-service, in-house production and fulfillment company provides all merchandise from its 88,000-square-foot Buffalo production facility, where approximately 100 employees are based. ADPRO specializes in all aspects of custom-branded merchandise for both sports teams and corporations.
"Partnering with the Pegula family and PSE will enable ADPRO to grow significantly on a national scale, and create a synergy between two emerging companies in the sports business," Raccuia said. "Just as ADPRO has been a leader in the team sports and branded merchandise business, PSE has been an innovator at the forefront of trends in the sport and entertainment industries. Combining our strengths offers us the ability to produce complete services that rival any company in the nation, and increases our ability to deliver results for our partners."
One of the country's largest Nike Team dealers, ADPRO Sports is an official NFL premium licensee and maintains local NHL licenses along with select NCAA licenses. The company is the Official Team Dealer and Licensed Merchandise Provider of both the Bills and Sabres, and is working with a growing list of NFL and NHL teams. ADPRO will also soon enter the NBA marketplace.
ADPRO provides uniforms and apparel, along with custom-branded merchandise nationwide to more than 250 colleges, 500 high schools, and hundreds of corporations such as M&T Bank, Ingram Micro, Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY and Tim Hortons Café & Bake Shop.
"When we announced PicSix Creative, it was our goal to create a national agency that provides a broad collection of services," added PSE Chief Operating Officer Bruce Popko. "ADPRO's unparalleled ability to produce unique custom-branded merchandise fits our vision and will be a valuable resource to PSE's entities and a property that combines with our other services to position PicSix quickly as a national leader in the industry."
About Pegula Sports and Entertainment
Pegula Sports and Entertainment is a management company that streamlines key business areas across all Pegula family-owned sports and entertainment properties, including the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, Buffalo Bandits, Rochester Americans, HarborCenter, Black River Entertainment, ADPRO Sports, PicSix Creative agency and numerous hospitality properties. PSE aims to be a leader in the sports and entertainment industry by bringing together the individual resources, capabilities and talents of each of its entities to create a cohesive and sustainable brand that together represents the Pegula family's interest.
PSE's mission is exemplified by its One Buffalo initiative, which unites Western New York and serves as a representation of teamwork through a deeper connection between Buffalo sports teams, fans and the community.