Portrait Capital, a private investment firm, has announced that it has acquired AAi Labels & Decals and Sticker Ranch, combining the two companies to create a new platform in the label industry. Lynn Higgs, an industry veteran and founder of Sticker Ranch, will become chief executive officer (CEO) of the combined business.

Founded in 1969 in Jonesboro, Arkansas, USA, AAi has grown into an established provider of mission-critical labels and decals supporting compliance, safety, and branding requirements across North America.

Sticker Ranch, co-founded by incoming CEO Lynn Higgs and Joseph Thomas, is a modern web-to-print label platform whose digital-first capabilities complement AAi’s customer base and enable expansion into consumer label markets.

“AAi has built an incredible reputation over more than 50 years as a trusted supplier of durable, compliance-driven labels,” comments Higgs. “By integrating Sticker Ranch’s digital capabilities and leveraging Portrait Capital’s resources, we are well positioned to serve our customers and pursue strategic acquisitions in this highly fragmented market.”

The partnership reflects Portrait Capital’s mission of honoring the legacy of exceptional family businesses while supporting leadership to unlock their full potential.

“AAi exemplifies what we look for in a platform investment: a remarkable family business providing mission-critical services with deep customer relationships and strong recurring demand,” says Justin Burris, managing partner at Portrait Capital. “We are excited to partner with Lynn and the entire AAi team to grow the business while maintaining the culture of quality and service that has defined AAi for decades.”

Stacy and Gary Gestring, who have owned and operated AAi since 1998, will transition day-to-day leadership to Higgs while continuing to support the business.

With this acquisition, Portrait Capital aims to build AAi into a market-leading platform delivering innovative labels and decals throughout North America. The combined company will focus on continuing to serve its customers and pursuing strategic acquisitions, beginning with Sticker Ranch.