Irwindale, California: Chem Arrow Corporation (https://www.chemarrow.com/) (“Chem Arrow”), a Los Angeles, California based manufacturer and distributor of chemicals, including metalworking fluids, industrial lubricants and cleaners with a global presence, has been acquired by an affiliate of Motul. Founded in 1853 and based in Aubervilliers, France, Motul is family-owned global supplier of high-performance lubricants for engines used by the world’s most demanding motorsport teams and original equipment manufacturers. The transaction closed on October 16, 2024.
Calabasas Capital served as exclusive financial advisor to Chem Arrow, initiated the transaction and assisted in negotiations and due diligence. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Founded in 1977, Chem Arrow is chemicals manufacturer and distributor with a 45 – year history of providing metalworking fluids, industrial lubricants and cleaners to leaders in HVAC and industrial manufacturing. Chem Arrow has a manufacturing facility in Los Angeles, California, offices in Canada and the United Kingdom as well as tolling and distribution partnerships in Asia and around the world.
Mr. Hamish Mitchell, President, CEO and Shareholder of Chem Arrow said, “Thank you to our employees, customers and suppliers, all of whom have been key to our success. We are excited about this partnership with Motul and the opportunity to accelerate the growth of both businesses. He added, “We also want to thank our investment bankers at Calabasas Capital, led by David Bonrouhi and Andrew Williamson, who did a great job representing the shareholders of Chem Arrow in this transaction. Their keen M&A expertise was instrumental in completing this deal and they worked collaboratively with our team from start to finish.”
Olivier Montange, President of the Management Board of Motul said, “The acquisition of Chem Arrow Corp. is an important step in our external growth strategy. Our goal is to strengthen drastically our footprint in North America and it is a natural move as the Motul brand is born in Pennsylvania in 1853. A big thanks to all the stakeholders who have been involved in this successful process.”
Andrew Williamson, Managing Director of Calabasas Capital, said “Chem Arrow is a premier independent chemicals brand with a leadership position in metal working fluids established over 45 years and Motul is ideally suited to grow and expand the footprint both in North America and across the globe. Hamish Mitchell and the team at Chem Arrow have done a tremendous job over the last several years expanding distribution and growing key markets in HVAC, aerospace and automotive. David Bonrouhi, Managing Director or Calabasas Capital, added “This acquisition is strategically complementary to Motul, expanding its product offering and bolstering its presence in the U.S. Calabasas Capital is truly honored to have had the opportunity to play a key role in this transaction and we look forward to tracking the progress of the combined companies in the years to come. This transaction further exemplifies the focus of Calabasas Capital on privately held lower middle market growth businesses in the industrials sector.”
Chem Arrow was represented by the law firm Donahue Fitzgerald (https://donahue.com/) led by partner Michael Dalton and the accounting and advisory firm CliftonLarsonAllen (https://www.claconnect.com/en/). Motul was represented by the law firms Vivien & Associés (https://va-fr.com/en/home/) led by partner Julien Koch and BakerHostetler (https://www.bakerlaw.com/) led by partners Steven Goldberg and Bryan Wasser as well as the accounting and advisory firm RSM Global (https://www.rsm.global/france/en).
Please contact David Bonrouhi or Andrew Williamson with any questions about this transaction and the investment banking services of Calabasas Capital.
