Elite Images merges with IMS Apparel

Cedar Rapids-based advertising specialty distributor Elite Images founded in 2001 has merged its operations with Cedar Rapids-Marion-based IMS Apparel & Promotions, the companies have announced.

Financial terms of the deal, which was finalized late last week, were not disclosed. Bringing Elite Images and IMS together

benefits both customer bases and gives us additional presence in the Midwest said Chris Abraham partner at IMS. "We're very excited to have them aboard."

Per the agreement, Elite Images will be merged into IMS Apparel & Promotions. Michele Hoffon, founder of Elite Images, will hold a key sales and development role at IMS.

"I look at this as a creative merger because of our innovative approaches to selling logo apparel, promotional products and printing. The additional marketing, sourcing, and distribution strength will help us serve more customers and serve them more completely.

IMS will assume all administrative operations, including product research, order processing, invoicing and collections, as well as providing marketing support and  distribution capabilities. IMS Apparel & Promotions was founded in 1996.