Lindsay Goldberg announced that it has agreed to acquire EMCO Chemical Distributors, a long-standing and founder-owned distributor of industrial chemicals based in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. Financial details were not disclosed. The transaction marks a new chapter for EMCO, one of the largest independent chemical distributors in North America.
Founded in 1971 by Edward Polen, EMCO has grown to serve over 4,000 customers across a diverse range of end markets, supported by more than 500 employees. The company distributes, blends, and packages over 5,000 SKUs and operates eight distribution and packaging facilities, along with an application lab, an environmental services facility, and a dedicated delivery fleet that allows for just-in-time distribution to customers in the midwestern region.
Lindsay Goldberg stated that the firm’s investment is based on a multi-year relationship with EMCO’s founder. The private equity firm highlighted EMCO’s strong supplier relationships, workforce stability, and operational footprint as key strengths that position the company for continued growth and expansion.
As part of the planned transition, Frank Bergonzi, a chemicals industry executive and Lindsay Goldberg Affiliate Partner, will be appointed Executive Chairman of EMCO’s Board of Directors upon the retirement of founder and CEO Edward Polen at the time of closing. Bergonzi will work closely with EMCO’s leadership team to pursue new product and market opportunities.
Legal and financial advisors on the transaction included Latham & Watkins as legal advisor to Lindsay Goldberg. Chemlink Partners and JPMorgan served as financial advisors to Lindsay Goldberg. Aronberg Goldgehn acted as legal advisor to EMCO.
Lindsay Goldberg focuses on partnering with families, founders, and management teams across industrials, services, and healthcare sectors. Since 2001, the firm has raised over $22 billion in equity capital and invested in more than 60 platform companies, as well as over 350 add-ons.
KEY QUOTES:
“Our investment in EMCO is the culmination of a multi-year relationship with EMCO founder Edward Polen. EMCO stands out for its stellar reputation, enduring supplier relationships, loyal employee base, and unmatched infrastructure in the region. We believe these strengths underpin EMCO’s position as a market leader, and we look forward to working with EMCO’s management team to support its future growth.”
John Holland and Eric Fry, Partners at Lindsay Goldberg
“Building EMCO over the last 54 years has been the greatest privilege. From the start, I set out to build a company where people matter – where we are true partners to our suppliers and customers and where our employees are empowered to make a difference. I’m proud of the culture we’ve built at EMCO. It is critical to our success, and I know that Lindsay Goldberg is the right partner to carry our culture forward.”
Edward Polen, Founder and CEO of EMCO
“I have known and respected Edward Polen and the EMCO platform for the last 30 years. I am excited to work alongside EMCO’s talented management team as we expand into new products and markets. Together, we will grow EMCO and further build upon Edward’s remarkable legacy.”
Frank Bergonzi, Lindsay Goldberg Affiliate Partner and Incoming Executive Chairman of EMCO
