ACCO Brands Hits High Note with 8% Sales Growth in Q1 2026

In a strong start to the year, ACCO Brands has reported first quarter results that exceeded expectations. The company's consolidated sales grew by an impressive 8%, driven by favorable comparable sales and better performance from its EPOS acquisition.

Tom Tedford, President and CEO of ACCO Brands, was pleased with the outcome, stating that the company is executing well on its key operational and strategic initiatives. The Americas segment saw growth in computer accessories, driven by new products and a robust end-user pipeline. In North America, early purchases of back-to-school products were stronger than anticipated, with the company confident about the upcoming season.

The international segment also saw significant growth, with sales increasing by 15% due to favorable currency translation and the EPOS acquisition. The rate of decline in office products improved across the segment, reflecting a positive impact from price, core category demand, and favorable mix.

ACCO Brands' overall strategy remains focused on expanding its product range in faster-growing categories with an emphasis on technology peripherals. The company aims to have peripherals represent 25% of its projected revenue by the end of 2026. In support of this strategy, the acquisition of EPOS was completed in the first quarter, with integration expected to contribute approximately $80 million over 11 months.

Jeppe Dalberg-Larsen, President of EPOS and now lead on technology peripherals for ACCO Brands, has over 20 years of experience leading technology peripheral businesses. He is tasked with driving growth initiatives in this area, aligning with the company's strategic objectives.

The gaming accessories market, however, faced headwinds during the first quarter due to broad industry challenges and softer consumer spending. Despite these hurdles, ACCO Brands remains committed to executing its strategy and expanding its global market shares through organic and inorganic initiatives.