RPM International Inc.’s Rust-Oleum group acquired the Mean Green branded line of specialty cleaning products and the exclusive North American licensing for Roto-Rooter branded drain care products from CR Brands, which is based in Cincinnati, Ohio. These product lines have annual net sales of approximately $20 million. Terms of the transaction, which is expected to be accretive to earnings within one year, were not disclosed.
 
Mean Green is a heavy-duty cleaner, with a broad array of products for mold, mildew, bacteria, grease and other uses. These products have broad national distribution and can be found in big-box retailers, such as Home Depot, Lowe’s, Wal-Mart and Menards, as well as grocers and other retailers. They will be integrated into Rust-Oleum's current portfolio of cleaning and drain care products.
 
“Rust-Oleum has made a concentrated effort to build and grow its platform of cleaners, which initially began with the Jomax brand and has since expanded to include the well-recognized brands of Krud-Kutter, Whink, and Moldex. Mean Green and Roto Rooter products are excellent strategic fits that add more dimension to the growing portfolio,” said Frank C. Sullivan, RPM chairman and CEO. “Utilizing Rust-Oleum’s sales and distribution network will significantly increase the reach of these leading products. At the same time, we expect to leverage their connections to achieve greater penetration of Rust-Oleum’s brands in grocery and other retail channels.”