Platinum Equity has agreed to acquire XD Connects, a Netherlands‐based designer and supplier of custom corporate gifts and branded merchandise. This deal will bring XD Connects’ team, infrastructure, and customer relationships into Platinum Equity’s growing European merchandise portfolio, creating a more comprehensive platform for businesses seeking personalized promotional products.
Founded in 1986 and headquartered in Rijswijk, XD Connects serves more than 5,000 B2B resellers and distributors across Europe. The company operates its own printing and fulfillment center, design studio, and product sourcing office, offering a range of items, including drinkware, apparel, office essentials, and trade show giveaways. Its in-house capabilities have earned it a reputation for fast turnaround times and reliable quality.
The acquisition follows Platinum Equity’s recent purchase of Solo, another pan-European supplier of custom-branded merchandise. Combining XD Connects and Solo under a single umbrella will expand the group’s product lineup, add new print technologies, and extend geographic reach into underserved markets. Together, the two businesses will support over 20,000 B2B customers, providing one-stop access to product development, inventory curation, scalable customization, and seamless fulfillment.
Integration efforts will focus on streamlining operations, aligning customer support channels, and unifying online ordering systems. The combined entity will work to compress lead times, elevate print fidelity, and increase product quality, all while maintaining strong vendor relationships. By consolidating distribution and back-office functions, the group aims to deliver greater value and simplicity for resellers, distributors, and corporate clients.
Europe’s custom-branded merchandise industry remains highly fragmented, with countless small suppliers and localized fulfillment centers. Platinum Equity sees significant opportunities to lead market consolidation, build economies of scale, and introduce best practices in digital ordering, sustainable sourcing, and operational excellence. The firm’s M&A&O® strategy focuses on pairing established operators with transformative capital and a disciplined approach to growth.
Platinum Equity manages approximately $50 billion in assets and has completed over 500 acquisitions since its founding in 1995. Its investments span manufacturing, distribution, technology, and other sectors, all driven by a hands-on model that combines mergers and acquisitions with operational improvements.
Advisor: Latham & Watkins is serving as Platinum Equity’s legal advisor.
KEY QUOTES:
“Platinum Equity has a lot of experience helping companies build scaled, resilient B2B services and distribution platforms. 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.”
Platinum Equity Co‑President Louis Samson
“The envisioned combination of XD Connects and Solo will reinforce the group’s position as a leading B2B service provider. 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.”
Platinum Equity Managing Director Malik Vorderwuelbecke
“We are thrilled to be joining forces with Solo and Platinum Equity. 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.”
Albert van der Veen, CEO of XD Connects
