Generational Group, a leading mergers and acquisitions advisory firm for privately held businesses, is pleased to announce the sale of Guaranteed Labels, Inc. to AAi Labels & Decals, a portfolio company of Portrait Capital. The acquisition closed June 30, 2026.
Headquartered in Moody, Alabama, Guaranteed Labels, Inc. is a custom manufacturer of labels, decals, metal plates, tags, signs, and specialty identification products serving customers across a wide range of industries. Founded in 1988, the company has built a reputation for delivering high-quality products, competitive pricing, and exceptional customer service through advanced flexographic, digital, screen printing, and specialty manufacturing capabilities. Guaranteed Labels offers a comprehensive portfolio of custom solutions designed to meet demanding performance, durability, and branding requirements, while maintaining a commitment to timely delivery and responsive support. Guided by its founding principles of integrity, quality, and service, the company continues to build lasting customer relationships through dependable products and tailored manufacturing solutions.
Located in Jonesboro, Arkansas, AAi Labels & Decals (Art Advertising, Inc.) is a leading manufacturer of custom labels, decals, nameplates, overlays, and specialty identification products for customers across a wide range of industries. With more than 50 years of experience, the company has earned a reputation for delivering durable, high-quality products through advanced screen, flexographic, digital, thermal transfer, and wide-format printing capabilities. AAi partners closely with manufacturers to develop customized labeling and identification solutions that meet demanding performance, compliance, and branding requirements. Committed to innovation, precision, and exceptional customer service, the company continues to invest in advanced technology and value-added services that help customers bring products to market efficiently and effectively.
Based in New York, New York, Portrait Capital is a private investment firm that partners with exceptional founder- and family-owned businesses to support long-term growth while preserving the values and legacies that make them unique. Guided by a long-term ownership philosophy, Portrait Capital emphasizes sustainable growth, operational excellence, and strong leadership over short-term financial outcomes. By working collaboratively with business owners and management teams, the firm is committed to building enduring companies that create lasting value for employees, customers, and communities.
Generational Group Executive Managing Director, M&A, Central Region – Michael Goss, and his team led by Senior Managing Director, M&A, Cory Strickland successfully closed the deal. Senior Managing Director, James Carr and Senior M&A Advisor, Rick Nichols established the initial relationship with Guaranteed Labels, Inc.
Cory Stickland, Senior Managing Director, M&A, added, “Printing veterans, Scott Noell and Rick Earnest, built one of the most respected label companies in the country. Under the new ownership of Portrait Capital & AAi, it is evident that the companies will be a strategic fit and will continue to thrive.”
Ryan Binkley, CEO of Generational Group, added, “This transaction represents an exciting next chapter for all organizations. By combining their respective strengths and expertise, they are well positioned to accelerate growth, expand their capabilities, and continue delivering exceptional value to their customers. We are honored to have played a role in making this partnership possible.”
About Generational Group
Generational Group, headquartered in Dallas, TX, is a leading, award winning full-service M&A advisory firm. Generational has over 350 professionals across 17 offices in North America. The firm empowers business owners to unlock the full value of their companies through a comprehensive suite of services—including M&A advisory, exit planning education, business valuation, strategic growth advisory, wealth advisory, and digital solutions.
Celebrating its 21st year, Generational has successfully closed over 1,800 transactions and has ranked #1 or #2 in all LSEG league tables for deals valued between $25 million and $1 billion in 2024 and 2025.
The firm was named 2025 USA Investment Banking Firm of the Year by the Global M&A Network and recognized as Investment Banking Firm of the Year by The M&A Advisor in 2024 and 2025.
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