PLATINUM EQUITY TO ACQUIRE EUROPEAN CUSTOM-BRANDED MERCHANDISE SPECIALIST XD CONNECTS

Envisioned combination with Solo will provide added scale, expanded product portfolio, and enhanced geographical reach, positioning both companies for growth in Europe's custom-branded merchandise industry

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Platinum Equity announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire XD Connects, a leading designer and value-added supplier of corporate gifts and custom-branded merchandise.

Financial terms were not disclosed. The potential transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.

Founded in 1986 and headquartered in Rijswijk, the Netherlands, XD Connects serves more than 5,000 B2B resellers and distributors, primarily across Europe, offering a broad portfolio of custom-branded merchandise. The company operates an in-house printing and fulfillment center, as well as a design studio and sourcing office.

The acquisition of XD Connects follows Platinum Equity's recently announced agreement to acquire Solo, a pan-European supplier of custom-branded merchandise and promotional goods.

"Platinum Equity has a lot of experience helping companies build scaled, resilient B2B services and distribution platforms," said Platinum Equity Co‑President Louis Samson. "This investment aligns with our M&A&O® playbook of partnering with strong operators and supporting the next phase of their development through operational excellence and transformative M&A. XD Connects is a highly strategic addition to our investment in the European custom-branded merchandise space that helps create a differentiated platform in a fragmented market with significant opportunities for growth."

The European market for custom-branded merchandise is highly fragmented and undergoing consolidation. Platinum Equity sees a clear opportunity to lead that transformation.

"The envisioned combination of XD Connects and Solo will reinforce the group's position as a leading B2B service provider," said Platinum Equity Managing Director Malik Vorderwuelbecke. "The group will manage all activities across product development, procurement and curation of readily available inventory. It will provide efficient customization at scale across a wide range of print technologies and ultimate fulfillment on behalf of its over 20,000 B2B customers. The platform will become a true one‑stop shop that will broaden choice, compress lead times, elevate print fidelity and enhance product quality for its customers, allowing them to focus on their commercial success in a dynamic and growing market. We are very excited to continue to assist the combined group to further strengthen its scale organically and through M&A."

"We are thrilled to be joining forces with Solo and Platinum Equity," said Albert van der Veen, CEO of XD Connects. "This partnership brings together two highly complementary businesses with a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability and customer service. Our combined capabilities will allow us to better serve our customers, simplify their operations and unlock new growth opportunities across Europe."

Latham & Watkins LLP is serving as Platinum Equity's legal advisor.

About Platinum Equity
Founded in 1995 by Tom Gores, Platinum Equity is a global investment firm with approximately $50 billion of assets under management and a portfolio of approximately 60 operating companies that serve customers around the world. Platinum Equity specializes in mergers, acquisitions and operations – a trademarked strategy it calls M&A&O^® – acquiring and operating companies in a broad range of business markets, including manufacturing, distribution, transportation and logistics, equipment rental, metals services, media and entertainment, technology, telecommunications and other industries. Over the past 30 years Platinum Equity has completed more than 500 acquisitions.

Contacts:

Dan Whelan
Platinum Equity
[email protected]

SOURCE Platinum Equity