AWA Buys Tulsa Company

Fayetteville-based Athletic World Advertising, the world’s largest sports calendar company, made its first acquisition of another business Dec. 6 when it bought out a competitor in Oklahoma.

AWA will take over the accounts of Don Rathman Publishing Co. of Tulsa beginning with the spring sports season. Rathman, in business for more than 30 years, is retiring to his home state of Wisconsin. His accounts covered three states.

“We’ve had other chances to buy companies, but Don’s reputation was so strong, and he has a lot of good schools as clients,” said AWA President Gregg Ogden. “They were very loyal to him.”

Rathman produced two-color products, while AWA has four-color capability. AWA has 4,500 existing accounts. Rathman has 450 accounts.

Ogden wouldn’t disclose how much he paid for Rathman’s company.

“Greg has a wonderful company,” Rathman said. “I know that I will feel so good with my people going to such an A+ company.”