Xyron, A Division Of Esselte, Acquires Multi-Level Marketing Organization I Remember When

July 08, 2005

Expanding on the company philosophy of front-line consumer interactivity and education, Xyron welcomes a direct sales organization to their creative consumer business model.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., July 8, 2005 – Xyron, a division of Esselte Corporation, today announced the acquisition of Portland, Oregon-area I Remember When (IRW), a direct-to-consumer sales organization boasting more than 500 consultants nationwide. The IRW acquisition is the second for Xyron in as many months. In early June the Company announced its acquisition of the Wishblade™ Personal Media Cutter and all elements of the Wishblade Design Library from St. Paul, Minnesota-based Granite Peak Inc.

IRW is a creative multi-level marketing company focused on introducing creative consumers to a wide range of leading scrapbooking products. Founded as a direct-sales organization in 1999 after successful operations as a brick-and-mortar retailer, owner/founder Jennifer Childs has created a unique alternative to traditional MLM organizations. Currently offering a catalog that includes some of the most popular scrapbooking brands on the market, IRW distributes products direct to consumers through a network of more than 500 independent consultants.

“Acquiring IRW is a tremendously positive step for us and for all Xyron retailers,” states Xyron president Chuck Ensign, “as it will dramatically increase our ability to introduce and educate consumers on the benefits of the complete range of Xyron products at the grassroots level. When you combine the consumer-level expertise of the IRW organization with our position as a world-class brand, our partnership is destined to be a powerful and profitable one.”

Xyron will absorb product procurement, logistics and similar service-functions, however IRW will continue to operate as an independent business unit based in Oregon. Founder Jennifer Childs will continue in her role as the visionary behind I Remember When, and the division will continue to offer a variety of creative products from the leading manufacturers in the creative industry.

“I am thrilled to become part of the Xyron family,” said I Remember When founder Jennifer Childs. “Xyron products are perfect for IRW consultants in that they are highly demonstrative, engaging and really have the ability to ‘wow’ the end user, making them more creative and more excited about preserving their memories.”

“In addition, the company’s culture and commitment to not only connecting with the creative consumer but to incorporating feedback into the development of new and innovative products that make it easier for consumers to be creative is very exciting for us.”

The addition of I Remember When to the Xyron organization on the heels of the Wishblade acquisition reaffirms the Company’s position as the dominant creative brand in the industry, poised to grow at an aggressive, but very focused pace.

About Xyron
Since the company’s founding in 1996, Xyron has grown within the creative marketplace along parallel paths; becoming a world-class provider of transformation tools for both creative home users and creative professionals. For the creative home user, Xyron develops and sells disruptive, game-changing products into craft, hobby and stationery departments of specialty and mass retailers worldwide. These products include award-winning adhesive application tools, innovative, all-inclusive scrapbooking collections, unique handheld dispensers, patented cold-lamination products that require no heat, batteries or electricity, and an exciting range of PC and non-PC based cutting systems that will lead the way in bridging the gap between traditional and digital crafting.

For creative professionals, Xyron offers a wide range of productivity and creativity enhancing tools that are safe, easy to use, and environmentally friendly. Most importantly, Xyron’s professional offering – from adhesive, lamination and image transfer tools to innovative design and packaging software and mock-up output services – helps the creative professional transform ideas into reality and get important products and messages to the consumer faster.

For more information about Xyron, visit www.xyron.com

About I Remember When
I Remember When was started in 1999 by Jennifer Childs to service scrapbooking customers looking for interaction and educational support not typically provided by brick and mortar retailers or traditional direct-sales organizations. Initially an extension of Ms. Childs’ successful retail location, I Remember When grew steadily through a network of ever-expanding direct-sales consultant dedicated to introducing consumers to the variety and versatility of products that exist within the retail market.

In 2004, I Remember When began nationwide promotion through consumer shows and scrapbook publication advertising. Since then, I Remember When doubled its consultant base and recently exceeded 500 active consultants across the country. I Remember When offers a wide variety of products from leading scrapbook manufacturers. The company also offers a selection of exclusive designs and custom products for the benefit and enjoyment of the home crafter.

For more information, visit www.irememberwhen.com

Note to editors: To speak with Chuck Ensign or Jennifer Childs, or to request additional information or imagery, please contact Amy Romano at a.romano@xyron.com or 480-577-9989.