Insights
FourBridges Announces USALCO’s Acquisition of AlChem and CalCHEM
MIAMI, FL — FourBridges Capital Advisors, a leading middle-market investment banking firm specializing in manufacturing and industrial services, announced today that USALCO, LLC (“USALCO”), a portfolio company of H.I.G. Capital, has acquired Al Chem Specialties, LLC (“AlChem”) and CalChem, LLC (“CalCHEM”). FourBridges acted as financial advisor to AlChem / CalCHEM and its shareholders in connection with the transaction.
Headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, USALCO is a leading provider of specialty aluminum-based chemicals used primarily in water and wastewater treatment, refinery catalysts, and other industrial end markets. The acquisition strengthens USALCO’s geographic footprint and expands its manufacturing capabilities across the United States.
Operating as a unified business under common leadership, AlChem / CalCHEM is a leading manufacturer of high-quality specialty chemicals for municipal water treatment and industrial applications. The company operates premier manufacturing facilities in Mentor, Ohio and Modesto, California. Founded in 2004, AlChem / CalCHEM has experienced significant growth under the leadership of Founder and CEO Scott Williams, who will join the USALCO leadership team following the acquisition.
“AlChem / CalCHEM meaningfully expands our presence in Ohio and establishes a strong operational base on the West Coast,” said Ken Gayer, Chief Executive Officer of USALCO. “Together, the combined platform enhances our ability to serve customers nationwide with a broad portfolio of specialty chemicals used in water and wastewater treatment, refinery catalysts, food production, and other industrial applications.”
“We see significant commercial opportunity in the combined platform given our complementary product offerings and shared customer focus,” said Scott Williams, Founder and CEO of AlChem / CalCHEM. “USALCO is a highly respected operator in the specialty chemicals space, and we are excited to partner with Ken and his team to continue serving customers and expanding our capabilities across the U.S.”
“We were pleased to advise Scott and the AlChem / CalCHEM team on a transaction that aligns well with the company’s long-term growth objectives and operational strengths,” said Chris Rowe, Managing Director of FourBridges Capital Advisors. “USALCO is an ideal strategic partner with the scale, infrastructure, and leadership needed to support continued growth while preserving the entrepreneurial culture that has driven AlChem / CalCHEM’s success.”
The acquisition further advances H.I.G. Capital’s strategy of partnering with best-in-class industrial businesses to expand geographic reach and drive long-term value creation.
About AlChem / CalCHEM
Founded in 2004, AlChem / CalCHEM is a manufacturer of specialty chemicals serving municipal water treatment and industrial end markets. The company operates manufacturing facilities in Mentor, Ohio and Modesto, California and is known for its high-quality products and customer-focused approach.
About USALCO
USALCO is a leading provider of high-quality aluminum-based chemicals used in water and wastewater treatment, refinery catalysts, and other industrial applications. Headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, USALCO operates 11 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States.
About FourBridges Capital Advisors
FourBridges Capital Advisors is a middle-market investment banking firm specializing in mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, and strategic advisory services for manufacturing and industrial services companies. Based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, FourBridges partners with business owners and investors to deliver thoughtful advice, strong outcomes, and successful transactions.