News

Canlak Coatings Expands US Presence with Ceram-Traz Buy

10.05.2023 - Canlak Coatings, owned by private equity group SK Capital Partners, has acquired Ceram-Traz, also known as Ceramic Industrial Coatings, for an undisclosed sum.

Ceramic Industrial Coatings is a leading manufacturer and supplier of custom, proprietary water- and solvent-based wood coatings. It also has full-scale production capabilities for related coating, adhesive, sealant and elastomer (CASE) products.

Canlak Coatings said the purchase is aligned with its vision to create a specialized wood coating systems business. Jim Coccagno, Canlak Coatings’ president and CEO commented: “The acquisition greatly enhances Canlak Coatings’ focus in US OEM coatings, an area of significant investment and growth for the company.”

Rob Laubscher, president and CEO of Ceramic Industrial Coatings, added that its customers will now have access to additional specialized ultraviolet and low VOC coating technology offered by Canlak Coatings. Laubscher will continue with the company as US managing director, overseeing Canlak Coatings’ US operations.

SK Capital formed Canlak Coatings in May 2021 through a series of acquisitions aimed at creating a premier North American wood coatings company. Commenting on this latest acquisition, Jon Borell, a managing director of SK Capital, said: “The combined company will utilize a broader technology base in conjunction with an agile, solutions-oriented service model to support customers in our markets.”

Author: Elaine Burridge, Freelance Journalist