BDA (PPAI 109381, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 7 distributor, has announced the acquisition of Harper + Scott (PPAI 626454, Gold), PPAI 100’s No. 99 distributor.

The acquisition of Harper + Scott, which will retain its name, further extends BDA’s New York presence with a creative showroom and incredible team, according to the Washington-based firm.

“BDA and Harper + Scott both see merchandise as more than just product – it’s a way to spark connection and build emotion,” says Jay Deutsch, CEO and co-founder of BDA. “We’re cut from the same cloth, united by a passion for creating experiences that really resonate. Harper + Scott’s uber-creative team and standout client services group bring the amazing energy that we also find at BDA.

BDA and Harper + Scott both see merchandise as more than just product – it’s a way to spark connection and build emotion.”

Jay Deutsch

CEO/Co-Founder, BDA

And, with Michael and Jon joining our leadership group, we know that this is truly a 1+1 = 3 for both companies and our clients. This acquisition supports BDA’s growth and our mission to be the best option for F1000 clients serious about having the best partner. This is a total win-win for both existing and new BDA clients.”

‘An Entirely New Level’

Based in New York City, Harper + Scott works with a range of high-profile clients, including Sephora, L’Oreal and Delta Air Lines.

  • Built on an agency model, the company specializes in strategizing and creating original experiences and products for the world’s largest and most innovative companies.
  • In 2020, the company earned the B Corporation certification.


“Our focus has always been on creativity, designing the kind of high-profile campaigns that make people stop and pay attention,” says Michael Scott Cohen, CEO and co-founder of Harper + Scott. “BDA was the first to show how powerful the branded merchandise agency model could be for brands, sports teams and more. We’ve always admired BDA’s work, and now joining its team to work side-by-side truly excites us.

“BDA gives us the tech, global resources and access to the largest and best distributor network to take our creativity and customer campaigns to an entirely new level.”

BDA gives us the tech, global resources and access to the largest and best distributor network to take our creativity and customer campaigns to an entirely new level.”

Michael Scott Cohen

CEO/Co-Founder, Harper + Scott

BDA, which works with household names like Major League Baseball, Johnson & Johnson, The Home Depot and NBC, says Harper + Scott’s imaginative campaigns, bespoke product design and high-touch customer service will complement BDA’s global technology platform, deep product sourcing and end-to-end logistics capabilities.

“Joining BDA amplifies our mission of servicing clients with speed, transparency and exceptional customer experiences throughout the entire product lifecycle,” says Jon Alagem, president and co-founder of Harper + Scott. “BDA’s global procurement and logistics network will supercharge our ability to deliver hyper creative and sustainable branded merchandise on time and under budget. We’re really excited to go to market together.”

Last year, BDA acquired New Jersey-based distributor SwagUp and European sports merchandise provider The Great Branding Company, expanding its reach in Europe.