Christian Brands has acquired the R.J. Toomey Company of Worcester, Massachusetts. R.J. Toomey is the oldest and best-known clerical apparel company in the United States, manufacturing clergy shirts, tailored clergy apparel and altar-server attire.

Christian Brands has acquired a number of companies of late, including Robert Smith (furniture), Will & Baumer (candles), Creed (jewelry), Heartfelt (wall art) and Gerffert (art masterpieces). The distribution, importing and manufacturing firm sells products in these brands to an assortment of channels in the Christian and general markets with a special emphasis in church supplies. Headquartered in Phoenix, Christian Brands has manufacturing facilities, a call center and a distribution center in Lewisburg; Tennessee.

Founded in 1936 by Richard J. Toomey, R.J. Toomey was incorporated in 1946 by Toomey and two of his brothers, Lawrence T. Toomey and John A. Toomey. In 1973, Richard and John sold their interest in the company to Lawrence, who owned and operated the business until his death in 1976. R.J. Toomey was then passed onto Lawrence’s wife, Mary Dalton Toomey, who managed the business until her death in 2001. Since 2001, the firm has been managed by Lawrence and Mary’s daughters, Christine Toomey Ringdahl, Patricia A. Renda and Mary E. Skinner. 

R.J. Toomey President Pat Toomey Renda believes the acquisition is a good way to move forward into the future.

“We are very pleased to have a new strategic partner who will share our vision for R.J. Toomey and whose experience can help expand the company,” Renda said. “This team is well-versed with the needs of our industry and can help strengthen our position as a leader in the clerical apparel field. With their resources and the help of their field sales force, telemarketing staff and sophisticated web presence, we firmly believe R.J. Toomey will continue to grow profitably and offer our customers the highest quality products and superior customer service that our industry has come to expect.”

Christian Brands President Paul DiGiovanni also is pleased to bring such a reputable brand to his company.

“We are thrilled to be a part of the great heritage at R.J. Toomey,” DiGiovanni said. “The Toomey family has combined vision and hard work to build this brand into the indisputable industry leader. Together with the wonderful long-time employees of the R.J. Toomey Company, we are honored to continue this wonderful tradition.”

R.J. Toomey will continue to manufacture in its present location in Worcester.

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