Professional Paint Inc. (PPI) has purchased all assets of Duckback Products, Inc., the Chico, CA maker of stains, coatings and water repellant finishes.

"The Duckback acquisition provides PPI with access to a proven distribution channel and diversifies our customer base," said Kent Child, PPI's CEO.

According to Mr. Child, Duckback will operate as a stand alone division, and PPI plans to introduce new specialty DIY products to the Duckback brand.

"We look forward to growing Duckback's business through its regional distributor network," Mr. Child said.

Patrick Wever, Duckback's president, added, "We are excited about this opportunity which will allow us to continue to build on our proven business philosophies and enhance our customer partnerships."

Duckback was a unit of Katy Industries, Inc., a Middlebury, CT-based maintenance and electrical products company. According to company officials, Duckback, which sold products in the U.S. and Canada, represented about three percent of Katy's sales, or approximately $13.5 million, in 2002.