Kelso Announces Acquisition of C.L. Smith and Combination with Inmark

Kelso and affiliated funds have acquired a majority interest in C.L. Smith Company (“C.L. Smith”), a leading distributor of rigid packaging solutions. C.L. Smith will be combined with Kelso’s existing investment in Inmark, a distributor of rigid container and life sciences packaging products.   Financial terms of the private transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 1975, C.L. Smith is a one-stop shop for rigid packaging distribution, manufacturing, custom design, and hazardous material certification, serving a diverse range of customers and end markets. In addition to the company’s rigid packaging design, warehousing, and distribution capabilities, C.L. Smith operates Lyons Blow Molding, an extrusion blow molding facility that offers its customers greater flexibility with shorter run lengths, rapid response times, and full customization options. C.L. Smith serves as the exclusive distributor of products manufactured by Lyons Blow Molding, contributing to the company’s impressive growth. The company’s HAZPlus® division provides a single source purchasing experience for its customers’ full range of hazardous materials storage and packaging needs, including product certification and testing.