Polymer Solutions Group, a manufacturer of specialty polymers and additives and a portfolio company of Arsenal Capital Partners, has acquired Alkon Solutions from Stephenson Group Ltd.
Alkon is a manufacturer of anti-tack products that are used in the rubber industry. Anti-tack products are materials designed to eliminate the self-adhesive quality of rubber products and are applied to products to form a thin protective anti-tack layer on the surface. The company is based northeast of Liverpool in Leeds, UK (www.stephensonalkonsolutions.com).
Polymer Solutions Group (PSG) was formed by Arsenal in June 2015 when the firm acquired Peach State Labs, a provider of specialty polymers and performance chemicals. In February 2016, PSG acquired Flow Polymers, a manufacturer of chemical dispersions, process aids and homogenizing agents used in the tire, automotive, industrial products, wire and cable, and plastics markets. Chemical dispersions and agents are used by manufacturers to shorten the processing time and temperatures of thermoplastic resins such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, ABS and nylon. In April 2016, PSG acquired SASCO Chemical Group, a maker of specialty chemicals – specifically rubber anti-tack agents – used in the rubber, wood, consumer and medical industries. PSG is led by President and CEO Mike Ivany and is headquartered northwest of Atlanta in Rome, GA (www.peachstatelabs.com) (www.flowpolymers.com) (www.sascochemical.com).
The buy of Alkon adds additional anti-tack technology and geographic scope to the operations of SASCO, an operating unit of PSG based in Albany, GA. “The addition of Alkon to the group broadens our anti-tack product offerings and accelerates the build-out of our global rubber additives business,” said Mr. Ivany. “Alkon’s premium anti-tack products, customer service and support fit perfectly with SASCO’s state of the art anti-tack slurry systems. By coupling SASCO and Alkon with Flow Polymers, PSG continues to expand our rubber processing additives business foundation and global footprint.”
Arsenal Capital Partners invests in middle-market specialty industrial and healthcare companies that have $50 million to $250 million in enterprise value. Industries of specific interest include specialty and fine chemicals; segments of healthcare; transportation and logistics; power generation; aerospace and defense; and process industry components and services. Arsenal has $1.7 billion of committed capital under management. The firm was founded in 2000 and has offices in New York and Shanghai (www.arsenalcapital.com).
Stephenson Group Ltd., the seller of Alkon Solutions, is a specialty chemical company headquartered in Leeds, UK. The company was founded in 1856 and is owned by Thos. Bentley & Son Ltd., and led by CEO Jamie Bentley – now the fifth generation of the family to be involved with the company (www.stephensongroup.co.uk).
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