Kano Laboratories, makers of Kroil

Exclusive Buy-Side Advisor

a portfolio company of

has acquired

ABOUT THE COMPANY:

Kano Laboratories (“Kano” or the “Company”) is a leading manufacturer and supplier of penetrating oils for mechanical maintenance, repair, and operations (“MRO”). Under the Kroil® brand, the Company serves industrial and consumer customers with products used to loosen rusted, corroded, or frozen mechanical parts. Founded in 1939, Kano is based in Nashville, TN, and has been a portfolio company of Gryphon Investors (“Gryphon”) since 2020.

SITUATION:

Since partnering with Gryphon, Kano has been exploring complementary companies offering premium products in the MRO space to support the Company’s growth objectives. Kano is most interested in companies with differentiated products, high customer loyalty, and a strong brand serving industrial professionals in the HVAC, plumbing, aviation, specialty electrical, and agriculture sectors.

ENGAGEMENT:

Kano and Gryphon engaged G2 Capital Advisors, LLC (“G2”) as the exclusive buy-side advisor to identify and originate acquisition targets that meet the Company’s criteria and expansion goals. G2 works as a trusted advisor and long-term strategic partner in growing our clients’ businesses. We bring industry-specific experience and a breadth of relationships to every engagement.

OUTCOME:

Kano acquired the operating assets related to the Super Lube® and Synco® brands of Synco Chemical Corporation (“Synco”), a manufacturer of premium synthetic food grade greases and lubricants. With Synco’s branded Super Lube product portfolio, Kano will now offer a full suite of premium grease and lubricant solutions addressing the unique challenges facing its customers. Says Kano CEO, Mark Klein, “We are thrilled to welcome Super Lube® to the Kano family. Our shared commitment to personalized customer service and product excellence will fortify our presence in MRO distribution and retail and boost our mutual growth. In addition, we are grateful to G2 advisors for identifying and executing this alignment.” “We are pleased to support the Kano management team in this strategic acquisition” said Craig Nikrant, Operating Partner on the Gryphon Heritage Fund team. “Super Lube®’s premium product line and diverse customer base will amplify Kano’s efforts to strategically build scale and drive growth.” “It is exciting to see two pioneering MRO players come together in the shared pursuit of industry excellence and innovation,” said Victoria Arrigoni, Managing Director and Head of Industrials & Manufacturing at G2 Capital Advisors. “We are pleased to support this transaction and look forward to continuing to help Kano and Gryphon scale the business over time as a strategic advisor,” says Jereme LeBlanc, Managing Director within the Technology & Business Services practice.