Tray Inc. Acquires JB Creative Services to Create One of the Largest Privately Held Distributorships

Tray Inc., Glen Burnie, Md., has acquired JB Creative Services, Bethesda, Md., to form one of the largest privately held print distributorships in the nation. The companies share similar product and service offerings, and serve some of the mid-Atlantic region’s most prestigious brands.

“We’ve known and respected JB Creative since their inception in 2005,” said Brian Burlace, president of Tray Inc. “With similar business models, products and services, it just made sense to combine for scale and reach.”

“The synergies between the two companies were remarkable,” asserted Jon Brothers, owner of JB Creative. “We shared the same customer service philosophies, attention to detail—even our company cultures were the same. This deal was a no-brainer.”

Both Tray Inc. and JB Creative Services boast highly recognized brands in their client portfolios. Most notably, they share Under Armour as a client. Kevin Plank, founder and CEO of Under Armour, released the following statement:

It’s always a proud moment to see our partners do well. Today’s even a little more special because JB and Tray Inc. have been there for us from the very beginning, dating all the way back to our start-up days in my grandmother’s basement. Both companies bring passion, design and innovation to the work they do for Under Armour, so in combining those forces, they will be top-notch.

Both companies serve a large number of nonprofits, including USO, AARP, World Wildlife Fund, Wounded Warrior and more. They also serve clients in the hospitality industry and sports teams. Their combined list of clients boasts such brand names as the Washington Redskins, Washington Wizards and Capitals, Baltimore Orioles, Marriott International, Lockheed Martin and Hilton Worldwide, to name a few.

By combining the companies, the buying power and scale improves remarkably. “Our combined buying power allows us to bring scale to our vendor relationships, and pass along price savings to our customers,” said Burlace. “This allows even the smallest customer to get a pricing advantage by choosing Tray.”

The companies will begin combining facilities and employees throughout the summer of 2016. Headquarters will remain at the Glen Burnie location.

For more information, visit www.trayinc.com.