Photo frame and home décor maker Burnes has merged with Nielsen Bainbridge, a leading producer of professional picture framing products. The merger follows Nielsen Bainbridge’s 2011 acquisition of Pinnacle Frames & Accents, an Austin, TX-based supplier of photo frames and albums to the mass market.

The new Nielsen Bainbridge Group will become the world’s largest framing company, according to a statement on the acquisition. Distribution of Burnes products will relocate to the Nielsen Bainbridge/Pinnacle facility in Pocahontas, AK, the company’s statement said, but day-to-day operations will be unaffected.

"Burnes is a strong, prestigious brand: an excellent complement to our custom framing business," said Bob Kroll, Nielsen Bainbridge CEO.  "The strategic benefits of joining established brands like Nielsen Bainbridge, Burnes and Pinnacle, each a leader in its channel of trade, will not only enable us to share intelligence and core competencies, but also support our mutual growth in a radically changed marketplace that has become increasingly competitive."

Kroll asserted that the merger of Nielsen Bainbridge, Burnes, and Pinnacle marks the return of the powerhouse frame corporation, something the industry has not seen in almost a decade. Burnes brands are primarily distributed to department, big-box and independent specialty stores.