GroupeSTAHL Acquires TKO Sales

ST. CLAIR SHORES, MICHIGAN (May 8, 2025) – GroupeSTAHL announced the full acquisition of TKO Sales, Inc., a rising force in heat transfer manufacturing based in Pompano Beach, Florida, with additional facilities on the West Coast.

This acquisition marks a bold step forward in GroupeSTAHL’s long-term vision of growing with intention, investing in innovation and expanding its customer-first model at a time when others in the industry are pulling back. By adding TKO to its lineup of brands, including STAHLS’ Transfer Express, Hotronix®, STAHLS’ and STAHLS’ Fulfill Engine, GroupeSTAHL significantly strengthens its operational reach, product diversity and production agility across North America.

“TKO is a perfect fit,” said Carleen Gray, CEO of GroupeSTAHL. “Their strategic geographic locations, unique heat transfer technologies, and entrepreneurial culture complement and amplify everything we stand for. We’re not just adding capacity — we’re adding capability, chemistry expertise, innovation, and above all, a shared passion for helping customers succeed.”

Founded by Christian Zarate, TKO Sales has quickly built a reputation for agility, quality and customer devotion, hallmarks that mirror GroupeSTAHL’s own DNA. Zarate will remain on board as President of TKO Sales, continuing to lead the company with the same energy and integrity that made it a standout player in the market.

“I started TKO in the middle of COVID with a dream, a plan, and a lot of faith,” Zarate said. “My goal was to build a company that puts the customer first and delivers superior heat transfer solutions, day in and day out. Joining the GroupeSTAHL family is like coming home. I’ve always admired Ted Stahl and what he’s built — being part of this next chapter is a true honor.”

With over 100,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing capacity between East and West Coast locations, TKO brings not only scale, but new formats, formulas, and talent into the GroupeSTAHL ecosystem. The addition of TKO opens the door to:

• Greater manufacturing efficiencies and capacity
• Expanded geographic coverage to better serve coast-to-coast customers
• Diversification in print formats, chemistry, and techniques
• New technology pathways to fuel future heat printing innovation
• A deep bench of industry talent committed to excellence

“This isn’t just an acquisition — it’s an evolution,” added Gray. “Together with Christian and his team, we’re doubling down on our commitment to bring best-in-class solutions to the heat-printing community — faster, smarter, and more flexibly than ever before. We’re not here to follow the market. We’re here to lead it.”

As the category of heat printing continues its rapid growth across sportswear, promotional, retail, and on-demand sectors, GroupeSTAHL is once again raising the bar. This acquisition reaffirms the company’s unwavering focus on customer success, product excellence, and entrepreneurial spirit — values that have driven the business forward for over 90 years.

STAHLS’ is a longtime member and supporter of NSGA. Ted Stahl is a member of the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame.