Effective 30 December 2011, Microban International became a wholly-owned subsidiary of WM Barr. WM Barr is a global, branded products company providing specialty cleaning products to consumer, commercial and industrial customers in the home improvement, household, automotive and industrial markets.

WM Barr brands include Goof Off, Mold Armor, Klean-Strip, Damp-Rid and Aegis, a leader in quaternary ammonium based antimicrobial compounds for textiles and footwear. The 100 percent employee-owned company was founded in 1946 and is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee.

The media announcement explained that Microban acquisition is part of WM Barr’s ‘strategic effort to bring advanced materials protection products to both the professional and consumer markets.’

“We’re very excited about the opportunity to help grow and expand the Microban brand into new channels and categories, as well as the complementary synergies for the Microban and Aegis businesses in the textile category,” stated Rich Loomis, WM Barr’s CEO.

“The transaction is an important step forward in the growth of Microban, creating new market opportunities for both companies,” said David Meyers, Microban International’s CEO. “We would like to reassure our partners that there will be no disruptions to normal business and that they will continue to receive our full support and commitment.”

Microban’s headquarters will remain in North Carolina and will operate as an employee-owned independent subsidiary under the current management team.

www.wmbarr.com; www.bennettdirect.com.au