Rust-Oleum acquires specialty cleaning products business

RPM International’s Rust-Oleum Group has acquired Krud Kutter, a marketer of specialty cleaning products for both residential and industrial markets. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.



Krud Kutter specializes in problem-solving cleaners and removers, which are, according to the company, water-based, biodegradable, nontoxic and VOC compliant. The brand is sold across the country in home centers, hardware stores, mass merchants and industrial supply outlets.



“Krud Kutter is a leader in effective yet more environmentally friendly cleaners which will allow Rust-Oleum to expand its offering in this category. The Krud Kutter brand will benefit from our marketing and category management expertise,” said Tom Reed, president and COO of Rust-Oleum.



Ed Rice, former CEO of Krud Kutter and son of the founder of the business, will continue to lead the business as part of Rust-Oleum.



Rust-Oleum’s brands and products include small project paints, primers, automotive, industrial, concrete coatings and wood care categories and include names such as Rust-Oleum, Stops Rust, High Performance, Painter’s Touch, Universal, EpoxyShield, Varathane, Zinsser, MultiSpec, Testors, Modern Masters and Watco. The company is headquartered outside of Chicago, in Vernon Hills.