Pentzer Adds Another Firm To Its Stable

Pentzer Corp. has acquired another company specializing in point-of-sale displays and other marketing materials.

The Decker Co., based in Memphis, Tenn., joins Graphic Communications and The Form House in Pentzer’s consumer products group, said President Dick Davis.

Spokane-based Pentzer is negotiating the possible purchase of another company in a related business, he added.

Davis would not disclose the terms of the Decker acquisition, or the company’s sales.

Decker employs 20 in sales and support of product displays for companies like Jimmy Dean Sausage and Thompson & Formby Inc. coatings, he said, adding “Their attention to detail has created a very loyal customer base.”

Co-founder Russell Decker will remain president of the company.

Decker said the acquisition by Pentzer will give the company the resources to expand its customer base and market area.

Graphic Communications also sells point-of-sale displays, while The Form House specializes in magazine inserts and direct-mail material for companies like Procter & Gamble Co.

Although their similarities may create opportunities to share expertise and information, Davis said, each was purchased because of its strength as a profitable, stand-alone business.

“You’ve got to be sure you don’t ruin what you’ve put together,” he said.

Pentzer is the holding company for the non-utility operations of the Washington Water Power Co. Other operations include real estate and financial services.