In a recent move to expand their reach into artistic communities, Blick Art Materials finalized their acquisition of Utrecht Art Supplies from Topspin Partners LBO last week. The purchase adds 45 stores to Blick’s existing 39 in the US.
Terms of the purchase have yet to be disclosed, including the purchase’s potential impact to Utrecht’s Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. location, which employs 10 to 15 people. Until more specific details about the future of the company emerge, Utrecht stores across the country will remain open as the two companies decide how to move forward in the next few weeks.
Founded in 1949 as a canvas importer, Utrecht expanded its reach into the art supply industry through its annual ‘big-book’ catalog and vast web store. The company produces signature, American-made paints from their Brooklyn-based factory.
Blick Art Materials began in 1911 in Galesburg, Ill. when founder, Dick Blick, began marketing his Payzant pen. The company still maintains Galesburg as their headquarters, but has since moved production out of their original home kitchen. Blick also purchased the locally owned Primary Art Supply store on Broughton Street in 2012.
District will continue pursuing this story as more information becomes available during the transition.
