MacPherson’s

Company Profile

MacPherson’s is the largest provider of art and creative materials in North America. The Company offers a broad product suite sourced from hundreds of vendors worldwide. MacPherson’s owns several proprietary brands, including Art Alternatives, Fredrix, and Hello, Artist!, and provides premium brand management and product development services.

Situation

The Company’s product suite, service offerings and distribution capabilities have positioned MacPherson’s as a preferred partner to vendors, brands, and retailers in the art materials industry for over 40 years. However, the Company has faced challenges in recent years due to rising freight costs, supply chain disruptions, and liquidity constraints that have impacted its ability to invest in new inventory and product lines.

Solution

SSG was retained by MacPherson’s in March 2025 to explore the Company’s strategic alternatives. SSG conducted a comprehensive marketing process that attracted interest from both strategic and financial parties, who engaged in a thorough review of the business and proprietary brand portfolio. Blick provided the best solution by acquiring the remaining inventory and select intellectual property assets through a private UCC sale. SSG’s experience in the consumer products industry and its ability to manage complex stakeholder dynamics enabled the Company to maximize the value of its assets in an expedited timeframe.