Family-run, inspirational gift companies Roman Inc. and Cottage Garden Collections have announced a merger, effective yesterday. Officials for both companies said the alliance will bring stronger and more innovative products and programs to retailers nationwide.

"We were both amazed that there was another company with similar beliefs and values as ours," said Mark Timm, whose wife, Angela, founded Bainbridge, Ind.-based Cottage Garden in 1996. "We are very proud to bring our families together to face and embrace an exciting future together."

A distributor of more than 8,000 gifts and decorative accessories, Bloomingdale, Ill.-based Roman was founded more than 45 years ago by Ronald Jedlinski—whose son-in-law, Dan Loughman, now serves as president and CEO.

Both the Roman and Cottage Garden brands will remain intact, with each headquartered in their respective cities. Cottage Garden will use Roman's sales force and showroom presence.

"The merger is part of our future, and I look forward to seeing what the best of two successful companies can produce as one," Jedlinski said.

Roman garnered the Turnaround of the Year Award in 2007 from the Turnaround Management Association Chicago/Midwest Chapter. Earlier this year, Cottage Garden was named first runner-up for the 2008 National Small Business of the Year, which included an awards ceremony at The White House.

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