Quaker Chemical buys specialty greases firm ECLI

Quaker Chemical has acquired specialty grease manufacturer ECLI Products for $52 million, the companies announced on Friday. 

Headquartered in Aurora, Illinois, the company specializes in greases for OEM first-fill customers across several industry sectors, including automotive, industrial, aerospace/military, electronics, office automation and natural resources, with estimated 2014 EBITDA of $7 million.

This transaction is consistent with Quaker's strategy to increase shareholder value through acquisitions and to complement Quaker's 2010 entry into the specialty grease market with the acquisition of Summit Lubricants, according to company officials.

"We continue to build our specialty grease business with this acquisition, and believe it also provides a significant opportunity to leverage Quaker's global operations footprint -- together with the product and market expertise of ECLI Products," said CEO Michael F. Barry.

"This company's strong customer focus and relationships, as well as application engineering expertise, complement Quaker's business model," he continued. "This acquisition also expands our high-end grease business in attractive end markets while positioning Quaker for future growth.  

"We intend to operate ECLI as a wholly owned subsidiary and an independent entity. Our first grease acquisition, Summit Lubricants, will also continue to operate as an independent entity and remain focused on its ongoing commitment to customers and the third-party manufacturing of specialty lubricants."

ECLI Products has 35 employees, based at its manufacturing facilities in Illinois and Ohio, a sales presence in Germany, and distributor relationships in Europe, Asia and South America. The company operates through two business segments, Engineered Custom Lubricants and Lubrication Technologies, Inc.