R.E. Carroll acquires Kentucky elastomer supplier

EWING, N.J.—At 97 years young, R.E. Carroll has no plans to slow down.

In fact, the specialty chemical distributor is as agile as ever and its acquisition of RHD Polymer and Chemical L.L.C. is proof of that. You don't, after all, close in on a centennial milestone without growing a bit a long the way. "We are continuing to look for opportunities to grow as we approach our 100th year in business (in 2025)," R.E. Carroll Vice President David Carroll told Rubber News.

And with the acquisition of the Louisville, Ky.-based distributor of specialty elastomer and additives, R.E. Carroll saw plenty of positives. The RHD Polymer and Chemical portfolio not only expands R.E. Carroll's offerings, but it perfectly complemented R.E. Carroll's existing plastics line, Carroll said.

According to its website, RHD Polymer and Chemical serves the automotive, industrial hose, roofing, seals, wire and cable, adhesives and sealants, and energy end markets with its range of specialty products, including nitrile rubber, fluoroelastomers, chlorinated polyethylene elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers, emulsion SBR, specialty SBR grades and rubber processing additives.

Moreover, the move expands R.E. Carroll's customer base, giving it more room to grow organically in the years ahead.

And it turns out, the timing for this deal was right, too, as RHD Polymer and Chemical owners were looking for a succession plan.

Financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed, but R.E. Carroll did note that the deal was finalized Feb. 1.

For now, RHD Polymer and Chemical will operate as a subsidiary of R.E. Carroll.