RPM Inc makes strategic investment in Kemrock

20th September 2006 | Vadodara | Investment Banking

RPM International, a maker of specialty paints and sealants made a strategic investment in Kemrock Industries & Exports, an India-based manufacturer of fiberglass reinforced polymer (FRP) composites.

Vadodara, September 20 2006: RPM International Inc. (NYSE: RPM) announced that its StonCor Group has acquired 14.99% of the outstanding shares of Kemrock Industries & Exports Ltd. (BSE: KEMIE), an approximately $20 million fully integrated fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) composites manufacturer based in Vadodara, Gujarat State, India.

Avendus Advisors was the sole investment banker for the transaction.

Kemrock, which is traded on the Bombay Stock Exchange Ltd., produces Fiberglass Reinforced Polymers for industrial grating, wind turbine housings and for structural shapes, handrails, ladders, fork lift pallets and related products.

Frank C. Sullivan, president and chief executive officer of RPM, said, "This equity position in Kemrock further strengthens RPM's relationship with a business partner that has helped improve our Fibergrate subsidiary's competitive position in FRP and pultruded shapes over the past three years. Kemrock is well established in the Indian and Far East marketplaces, where we envision an even broader and more prosperous working relationship with Kalpesh Patel, the company's founder and managing director, and his management team going forward. This investment is indicative of the types of opportunities RPM is continuing to pursue in the dynamic Indian market."

Deepesh Garg, Associate Vice President, Avendus Advisors commented “We expect that international investors will continue to place a high premium on the competitive advantage that Indian companies bring to the table in technology intensive manufacturing sectors. Kemrock has a demonstrated track record of being a high quality manufacturer of advanced materials that can be used for several applications and this transaction is a key inflection point in their relationship with one of their leading customers, RPM”

About RPM International Inc.

RPM International Inc., a holding company, owns subsidiaries that are world leaders in specialty coatings and sealants serving both industrial and consumer markets. RPM's industrial products include roofing systems, sealants, corrosion control coatings, flooring coatings and specialty chemicals. Industrial brands include Stonhard, Tremco, illbruck, Carboline, Day-Glo, Euco, Fibergrate and Dryvit. RPM's consumer products are used by professionals and do-it-yourselfers for home maintenance and improvement, automotive and boat repair and maintenance, and by hobbyists. Consumer brands include Zinsser, Rust-Oleum, DAP, Varathane, Bondo and Testors.

For more information, please visit www.rpminc.com

About Kemrock Industries and Exports Ltd.

Kemrock Industries and Exports Ltd. is one of India's leading manufacturers of High Performance Reinforced Polymer Composites. Kemrock is a technology-driven ISO 9001-2000 company offering composite products of global standards. The manufacturing capabilities are one of the most comprehensive in the industry, covering various processes like Pultrusion, RTM, Compression Moulding, VRTM, etc. Kemrock's products are well accepted in U.S.A, Europe, Africa, Canada, Australia, Middle East & Far East.

For more information, please visit www.kemrock.com

About Avendus Advisors

Avendus Advisors is an Investment Bank specializing in Private Equity Syndication, Cross-Border M&A and Strategic Advisory services to corporates and funds. The company focuses on industries where Indian companies have a strategic growth advantage, including IT Services, IT Enabled Services, Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare, Manufacturing, Media and Consumer Products and Services. Avendus clientele ranges from small fast growing technology firms to large international corporates and established private equity funds. It has served more than 100 corporates in cross border transactions and in raising growth capital, and has closed deals more US$ 420 Million during the last twelve months.

For more information, please visit www.avendus.com

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