KODA Enterprises Group, through its affiliate KODA Distribution Group, Inc., announced today the acquisition of Ribelin Sales, Inc. KODA Distribution Group, one of the largest specialty chemical distributors in the country, consists of Monson Companies, Inc., based in Leominster, MA, GMZ, Inc., based in Cincinnati OH, and now Ribelin Sales, Inc., based in Garland, TX.

Ribelin Sales, founded in 1936, is a leading domestic distributor of specialty chemicals in the lower Midwest, Southeast and Southwest. Monson and GMZ are also among the largest distributors of specialty chemicals in their markets, primarily the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and the Midwest.

According to Bill Karol, President of KODA Enterprises Group, "All three companies share similar approaches to their markets, deep technical expertise and absolute devotion to customer service. This creates unique opportunities for their specialty chemical customers and suppliers." Said Karol, "These companies will continue to use their core strengths in their local markets with very little visible change. Combining forces, however, will increase their financial strength, which will allow for continued investment to facilitate the addition of specialized technical resources and allow them to serve a broader geographic footprint, providing an even higher level of service to their customers and suppliers."

The three companies will continue to operate independently, sharing best practices in serving their respective markets. According to Dan Weiss, Vice President of Ribelin Sales, "We are excited to be a part of the KODA family and we truly believe that we can continue to offer the same flexible, focused attention to our customers and suppliers while now also accessing resources that will make us even stronger."

In a joint statement released by Steve Barney, President of Monson, and Dan Gruber, President of GMZ, both executives expressed their enthusiasm for the acquisition and welcomed the Ribelin team to KODA Distribution Group. "The three companies will learn from each other and become stronger both as a group and individually; the fit is a natural."

In order to complete the acquisition of Ribelin, KODA has brought in a new equity partner in Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.'s 1818 Mezzanine Fund. John Walsh, a Senior Vice President of Brown Brothers Harriman, stated that "KODA Distribution group represents an exciting opportunity to partner with KODA Enterprises, a high quality private equity group with a long standing, successful track record in the chemical distribution industry. We believe that by sharing the best practices of each company, we are confident that KODA can further enhance its already strong supplier and customer relationships and thereby further differentiate itself from other chemical distributors."

Founded in 1818, Brown Brothers Harriman is the oldest, continuous private partnership in the country with 3,000 employees in nine US and seven overseas offices. Through its 1818 Mezzanine Funds, BBH has a particular focus in value added distributors such as KODA and a long standing successful track record providing growth capital to successful, middle market companies.

KODA Enterprises Group LLC is a private equity firm that acquires companies which are, or have the potential to become, market leaders. KODA partners with seasoned management teams and employees committed to that singular goal of market leadership, focusing on the long term without external pressures for short term returns. With significant expertise and a proven record in specialty chemical distribution, extraordinary industry relationships, and an outstanding reputation in the financial, investment banking, and M&A communities, KODA intends to continue its growth by focusing on specialty chemicals distribution throughout the US to better serve both their customers and suppliers.

For further information contact Paul Hayre, 781.891.3066, phayre@koda.com.