The Augusta Group announced it has merged with Mauk Advertising (asi/264380). The terms of the deal were not disclosed. “This merger expands Mauk’s product, technology and creative solution capabilities to increase our customer’s brand recognition and competitive advantage,” said JJ Mauk, president of Mauk Advertising.

Mauk Advertising is a third-generation distributor based in Kingwood, TX. JJ Mauk, who focused on sales while his father ran the company, decided to transition the company after his father passed away in 2013. He will stay on as a salesperson, per the agreement The Augusta Group makes with all previous owners. “They become employees and work off commission with an additional 20% to 30% override for a period of three years,” says Chuck Porter, managing partner of The Augusta Group. “It gives the previous owner an incentive to stay on, work hard and help his company’s value grow.”

Mauk Advertising employees will also stay on and work from their home office in Kingwood. Porter says the Mauk name will continue because of the company’s upcoming 40th anniversary and the emotional attachment surrounding the occasion. “Mauk is well-known nationwide in the service and safety awards arena, which is not something we’ve gotten into,” Porter said.

Since 1997, Houston-based Augusta Group has served as a distributor of promotional products, specializing in corporate casual apparel, business luggage, writing instruments and other items. The company’s reach will expand to new industrial markets such as chemical, construction, energy, marine, oil and gas and warehousing. “Our customers will directly benefit from this merger through extensive product and brand offerings, expanded industrial market reach, and innovative workforce and worksite incentive and recognition programs,” Porter said.