News
January 04, 2008 - The Homax Group aquires Walco-Linck
BELLINGHAM, WA, January 4th, 2008 – The Homax Group, Inc., a leading consumer products supplier to the home-care markets, announced today it has acquired Walco-Linck Company. The announcement was made by Ross Clawson, President of The Homax Group.
With a heritage dating back almost 75 years, Walco-Linck offers a comprehensive line of insect control products under its flagship brand, TAT. Steve Hill, president of recently acquired Black Flag Brands will expand his leadership role in the Insect Control business unit through Walco-Linck’s integration.
“Walco-Linck’s acquisition is a perfect strategic fit with Homax’s purchase of Black Flag Brands,” said Hill. “It strengthens our insect control division’s presence in the market, and extends its reach into new channels of distribution.” Hill also noted that Walco-Linck’s product mix will allow the selling of highly effective yet economical products to the value-conscious consumer.
Hill emphasized that current Walco-Linck retail partners and customers will see little to no change in how the company operates its business, though he expects that over time Walco-Linck will benefit from Homax’s infrastructure. He further noted that the investment in Walco-Linck fits in the mold of other investments of Olympus Partners, a Stamford, CT-based private equity firm for whom Homax is a portfolio company.
About The Homax Group (www.homaxproducts.com)
Based in Bellingham, WA, The Homax Group, Inc. is a leading supplier of high-quality, consumer friendly, DIY and contractor products. Its top-selling brands include Homax®, Magic®, Goo Gone®, Jasco®, Tile Guard®, Rhodes American®, Natural Magic®, Stone Care International® and Black Flag®. These products are carried nationally at home centers, mass merchandisers, hardware stores, paint dealers, grocery chains and specialty retailers.
About Walco-Linck (www.walco-linck.com)
Based in Valley Cottage, NY, Walco-Linck was conceived nearly 75 years ago, when German inventor Otto E. Linck devised the concept of placing food grade bait and insecticides into easy-to-use containers, called “The Ant Trap”, or TAT. As he expected, foraging ants took the insecticide-laden bait back to the nest, where it was consumed by the entire colony. Since then, the business evolved into a complete insect control company.
About Olympus Partners (www.olympuspartners.com)
Based in Stamford, CT, Olympus Partners is a private equity firm focused on middle market management buyouts and later stage venture capital deals. Founded in 1988, Olympus manages over $3.1 billion, with a portfolio of investments that includes business services, healthcare manufacturing and services, financial services, consumer products and software.
For more information, please contact Catherine Carey of Homax at 360-733-9029.