Why This Matters to Distributors: The acquisition expands Shrieve’s Southeast coverage and adds solvent blending, recycling, and waste management capabilities, broadening the services it can provide industrial customers.
Shrieve Chemical Co. has acquired Research Solutions Group Inc., an Alabama-based distributor, blender and recycler of industrial solvents and specialty chemicals, expanding its operations across the Southeast.
The transaction adds blending, recycling, and logistics capabilities to Shrieve’s distribution business. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Founded in 1971 and based in Pelham, Alabama, Research Solutions Group supplies industrial solvents, custom solvent blends, and specialty chemicals. It also provides solvent recycling and waste management services.
“This acquisition expands our geographic reach, strengthens our operational platform, and enhances our ability to deliver value-added solutions to customers,” Shrieve CEO Joey Gullion said.
Research Solutions Group’s products serve applications including automotive painting, parts cleaning, printing, woodworking finishes, and adhesive removal. Its research and development chemists and sales staff work with customers on custom formulations, including blends free of hazardous air pollutants and low in volatile organic compounds, according to the company’s website.
Products are available in drums, totes, and bulk quantities. The company also installs small bulk tanks at customer facilities, which it says can reduce the expense of empty drum removal.
Its environmental services include waste collection, treatment, and disposal, along with evaluations of whether materials can be reused, recovered, or blended for fuel. The company lists waste from painting operations, printing presses, and industrial cleaning among the materials it handles.
Research Solutions Group also offers scheduled pickups using its fleet, waste reduction evaluations, and environmental consulting services, according to its website.
The business began as Research Solvents & Chemicals, founded by J.O. “Joe” Miller. It moved to a terminal in Pelham Industrial Park in 1974 and changed its name to Research Solutions Group in March 2012 as its offerings expanded.
Jeff Miller joined the business full-time in 1978, working in the warehouse, filling drums, and loading trucks. He succeeded his father as president and CEO in 1996, according to the company’s history.
The purchase follows two other acquisitions announced by Shrieve in April. On April 21, it announced the acquisition of FIS Chemicals, an Aberdeen, Scotland-based formulator, manufacturer, and distributor of industrial chemicals. On April 23, it announced the acquisition of Vertec BioSolvents, a West Chicago, Illinois-based manufacturer serving markets including agriculture, coatings, inks, and industrial and institutional products.
Based in The Woodlands, Texas, Shrieve is owned by private equity firm Gemspring Capital. Founded in 1978, it markets 1,500 products across more than 40 countries, according to the acquisition announcement.
Do not miss any content from Distribution Strategy Group. Join our list.
Share this article:
