Dallas-based vendor and manufacturer rep The Lawless Group announced it has acquired an interest in Rolston Hogstrom Inc., a sales agency headquartered in Chicago.

Lawless said executives for both companies have “joined forces” in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, the UP of Michigan, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska, Lawless said.

As part of the transaction and overall value creation, the two companies have agreed to establish a long-term partnership.

Rolston Hogstrom will now be a Lawless partner continuing regular operations. Chris Hogstrom will remain president of the Midwest and Richard Lawless will be acting CEO.

“This acquisition comes as a continuation of growth strategies for both companies,” Lawless said in a statement. “Joining forces will preserve and build upon two great long-standing companies. The cultural fit aligned with the core principle that both companies were established upon, building relationships, makes this a golden partnership.”