Flat River Group has announced the departure of Jules Vautour, Colin Young, and Danni Loe from the company. The trio of industry veterans have recently launched a new distribution company in collaboration with ACD Distribution owners Bob Maher and Danny Procell.

This new venture, reviving the Luma Imports brand, will operate under the ACD umbrella, providing publishers an alternate on-ramp into US hobby games distribution. The sales and marketing services that Vautour, Young, and Loe offered publishers at FRG will continue, collaborating with FRG for support on ecommerce channels, to ensure success for current partners.

In addition to domestic operations, Luma Imports will promote and distribute games internationally, providing the same high level of service, marketing, and support that publishers have come to expect. Its mission remains consistent with the work previously undertaken at Flat River Group: empowering publishers, expanding access, and fueling success in the tabletop industry.

As Director of Luma, Vautour will lead business development, scouting new partnership opportunities and services to offer publishers. Young will operate in tandem, handling global distributor relationships and liaising with FRG for ecommerce support. Loe will lead the marketing team for ACD as a whole, including established programs such as Meeple Monthly and ACD Expo, in addition to direct-to-consumer efforts through Luma Imports.

Additionally, Synapses Games, the Canadian board game publisher acquired by Flat River Group alongside Luma Imports in 2022, was acquired by ACD Distribution. Founded by Carl Brière, the Synapses catalog is recognized internationally for its impactful artwork, balance between quality and price, and curated experiences. In 2024, they released a new edition of Yokohama (previously Tasty Minstrel Games) with revitalized artwork and components. 2025 will see the release of Yokohama Duel, among other original designs from the team.

Both companies will be present at Gen Con 2025 in Indianapolis, IN, represented at the Luma Imports booth #3039. Further details about the Luma Imports structure, Synapses operations, and publisher partnerships will be shared in the coming weeks.