Flat River Group acquires games publisher Synapses Games and distributor Luma Imports
BELDING, MI March 14, 2022 – Flat River Group, a 1st party ecommerce partner, announced today the acquisition of Luma Imports, a game distributor and Synapses Games, a tabletop game publisher and design house.
Founded in 2018 and based in Delaware, Luma Imports represents the English-language catalogues for a roster of European publishers such as Horrible Guild, Bombyx Studios, Sit Down, Holy Grail Games, and many others. They also distribute Synapses Games, which was founded in 2018 and is based in Montreal, Canada. They publish the award-winning Cóatl, as well as the upcoming Betta and Draw the Line, and are distributed in more than 40 countries.
“My relationships with Matt and Carl go back through many organizations and many years,” said Jules Vautour, president and founder of Luma Imports. “FRG has been a key partner in Luma’s success. The synergy that already exists between the Luma, FRG, and Synapses teams promises a smooth transition and ensures the continuation of growth between our teams and the publishers we represent.”
“My team and I are thrilled to join the Flat River Group and continue working with the Luma Imports team,” said Carl Brière, publisher and founder of Synapses Games. “The board game industry has been expanding rapidly over the past few years and this marriage of companies will allow us to achieve even greater heights thanks to our complementary strengths.”
Jules and Carl have worked together previously at both Asmodee USA and CMON and have collaborated extensively with their existing companies. Both are very excited to bring their respective companies into Flat River Group and resume their long-standing working relationship.
"We've worked with Jules and Carl for almost a decade, and we place a great value on their skills and relationships in the industry,” said Matt Stahlin, president of Flat River Group. “We are excited about what this means for our ability to find great games earlier in their life cycle and get them into the hands of consumers through both hobby and mass retail channels. This fits in well with our recent acquisition of Greater than Games."
About Synapses Games
Synapses Games is a Canadian board game publisher that was founded in 2018. The company develops and publishes games that are easy to learn, user-friendly, quick to explain and that can be enjoyed by beginners and more strategic players alike. Synapses Games wishes to create games that elicit emotions and connect players.
About Luma Imports
Founded in 2018, Luma Imports is a board game publisher and wholesaler that serves a family of publishers including Horrible Guild, Bombyx Studios, Sit Down Games, Holy Grail Games, and many others. Luma provides distribution, retail, and marketing services for the United States and other English-language territories.
About Flat River Group
Established in 2011, Flat River Group has over a decade of experience as a leading 1st party ecommerce partner. They take their vendors’ businesses to the next level by owning their inventory and accelerating rapid sales growth, all while maintaining vendors’ brand integrity and elevating reputation. Flat River Group buys inventory, warehouses it, sells it to 15+ major ecommerce retailers, manages product listings and inventory, and fulfills dropship and distribution center orders. They are truly a unique partner, with 1st Party Seller (1P) status and best-in-class dropship capability. They specialize in partnering with consumer goods manufacturers including toys & games, pets, baby, outdoor sporting goods and more. The company is based in Belding, Michigan, US and has three other locations in Michigan, Illinois and Missouri. Flat River Group has earned the honor of being listed as one of Inc. Magazine’s Inc. 5000 fastest growing private companies in America three times, in 2016, 2017 and 2021. For more information, visit www.flatrivergroup.com.
Flat River Group Media Contact
Katie Kett
Marketing Manager | Flat River Group
kkett@flatrivergroup.com