#USA #St. Louis #WILsquare Capital #Automotive Color Supply #Ohio Paint Supply

WILsquare Capital's Strategic Acquisition of Ohio Paint Supply

On July 1, 2026, WILsquare Capital, a private equity firm focused on lower-middle market investments, announced that its portfolio company, Automotive Color & Supply (ACS), completed the acquisition of Ohio Paint Supply (OPS). This acquisition marks a significant advancement in ACS's strategy to expand its role as a trusted distributor in the automotive and industrial paint sectors.

Enhancing Distribution Capabilities

The addition of Ohio Paint Supply strengthens ACS’s distribution capabilities significantly. OPS is recognized for its robust relationships with customers and vendors in the automotive refinishing and industrial coatings market. These relationships, alongside OPS's commitment to service excellence, complement ACS’s existing operations and expand its reach across key midwestern regions, including Ohio.

Josh Byers, the CEO of Automotive Color & Supply, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, "We are excited to welcome the Ohio Paint Supply team into the ACS family. OPS has built an impressive reputation for delivering exceptional service and maintaining strong relationships with both customers and vendors. Their culture and commitment to quality align closely with ACS."

Growth Strategy Alignment

This acquisition aligns with WILsquare Capital’s strategy for ACS, which has already acquired other distributors like Paint Works and Smetzer Paint Supply in previous years. Jack Randazzo, Managing Director at WILsquare Capital, pointed out the importance of this deal, emphasizing, "The acquisition of Ohio Paint Supply represents an important milestone in ACS's growth strategy. We see meaningful opportunities to partner with distributors that share ACS's service-first approach and commitment to customer relationships."

The integration of OPS not only reinforces ACS’s footprint but also enhances its competitive edge in underserved markets. The partnership is expected to enhance the quality of service and the satisfaction level of clients already familiar with OPS’s dedication to quality products and services.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, both companies recognize the potential for continued growth and success. Josh Newkirk, President of Ohio Paint Supply, mentioned the enthusiasm surrounding joining forces with ACS, saying, "We are excited to partner with ACS and WILsquare Capital. Our values closely align, particularly our strong commitment to customer service and support for vendor partnerships. This partnership is set to pave the way for continued success while maintaining the high level of service our customers have come to expect."

With this acquisition, ACS now serves a wider range of regions, including Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Arkansas, Texas, and Louisiana. The company is well-positioned to leverage its multi-regional presence, solidifying its stature as a leader in the automotive paint distribution sector.

Conclusion

The strategic acquisition of Ohio Paint Supply by ACS under WILsquare Capital exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to growth and market expansion in the automotive sector. As the industry continues to evolve, this partnership stands to benefit from strengthened relationships, enhanced market reach, and a commitment to service excellence that is essential for sustaining client trust and loyalty. By focusing on these core values, ACS aims to sustain its trajectory of growth in the competitive landscape of automotive color and supply distribution.

In conclusion, WILsquare Capital’s strategic move not only signifies commitment to growth and expansion in the automotive sector but also builds a framework for long-term success, ultimately benefiting customers and stakeholders alike.