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

WILsquare Capital Enhances Market Presence with Strategic Acquisition

WILsquare Capital, a prominent private equity firm focused on lower-middle-market businesses, recently made headlines with the announcement that its portfolio company, Automotive Color & Supply (ACS), has successfully acquired Smetzer Paint & Supply, a regional giant in automotive and industrial paint distribution located in Northern Ohio. This transaction is set to catalyze significant expansion for ACS, allowing it to deepen its roots in the Midwest's automotive market.

The exact terms of the deal were not made public, but the implications are clear. This move not only expands ACS's footprint but also reinforces its status as a leading distributor in the automotive refinishing and industrial coating domains. Josh Byers, CEO of Automotive Color & Supply, expressed his enthusiasm by stating, "We are thrilled to welcome the Smetzer Paint Supply team into the ACS family. Their deep market relationships and stellar reputation for customer service align perfectly with our core values and growth objectives."

For ACS, this acquisition of Smetzer—known for its solid customer connections and commitment to quality—will enhance its service capabilities, allowing it to cater to a wider array of clients. By leveraging its new resources and tapping into Smetzer's established regional expertise, ACS aims to deliver even higher standards of service and products to its customers.

Jack Randazzo, Managing Director at WILsquare Capital, highlighted the strategic significance of this acquisition: "This marks another crucial step in establishing a robust, service-oriented distribution network within the automotive and industrial coatings arena. We're dedicated to supporting the ACS team as they pursue growth through strategic partnerships with reputable companies like Smetzer, which share the same dedication to quality and customer satisfaction."

Moreover, Robert Bradberry, the Owner of Smetzer Paint Supply, is optimistic about this new partnership. He remarked, "We are excited to partner with the ACS and WILsquare teams as we further enhance our ability to service customers and grow. ACS shares our commitment to integrity, customer service, and maintaining strong vendor relationships. This partnership will allow us to continue providing the same level of quality and care our customers have come to expect while leveraging new resources and growth opportunities."

This acquisition also marks WILsquare Capital's third purchase in its automotive paint distribution portfolio over the last few years, following the acquisitions of ACS and Paint Works in 2023 and 2024, respectively. This series of strategic moves underscores WILsquare’s commitment to strong growth within the automotive sector.

About WILsquare Capital

WILsquare Capital is a St. Louis-based private equity firm specializing in the acquisition and enhancement of lower-middle-market businesses throughout the Midwest and Southern United States. The firm concentrates on sectors such as business services, niche manufacturing, distribution, and technology, aiming to foster growth and operational improvement within its portfolio companies.

As WILsquare Capital and Automotive Color & Supply look forward to integrating Smetzer Paint Supply into their operations, the focus remains on delivering superior products and services to their customers while expanding their market presence across new regions. This acquisition stands as a testament to their growth strategy and unwavering commitment to excellence in the automotive industry.