Specialty-chemical maker NC Brands has been acquired by the parent firm of chemical powerhouse Bio-Lab.
Earlier this week, KIK Custom Products finished the purchase of NC Brands, a Norwalk, Conn.-based manufacturer of pool and spa water-care products that utilize naturally based enzyme technology.
Lawrenceville, Ga.-based Bio-Lab expects NC Brands’ lines of niche chemicals to complement its own mix of commodity chemicals.
“This is a great match and the combination of two leading North American chemical manufacturers with a great brand proposition to truly differentiate our products in the marketplace,” said Bio-Lab President Jon Viner. “We believe the technology and products of NC Brands complements those of Bio-Lab, and we have similar cultures of deep-rooted customer relationships.”
NC Brands co-founder and CEO Mark Munford will remain with the company indefinitely in a consulting capacity and work closely with Viner and Bio-Lab to integrate the businesses and develop an ongoing growth strategy. “Mark brings a lot of product knowledge and brand vision,” Viner said.
Added Munford: “There’s still a lot to be accomplished.”
For the time being, the operation will continue as normal, Viner said. NC Brands customers should continue to work with whomever they have communicated with in the past. Management will be evaluating the company to determine the logistics of the integration. “We’re taking core company strengths and combining them into a very efficient dynamic,” Viner said.
Munford founded NC Brands with Robert Kulperger approximately 30 years ago. Originally called Natural Chemistry, it took on its current branding in 2016 after making two key acquisitions: of automatic-pool-cleaner maker Red Leopard in 2015, and of chemical manufacturer SeaKlear in 2016. It also purchased Coral Seas in 2017.