Gemspring Capital-backed Shrieve Chemical Acquires Vertec BioSolvents to Expand Sustainable Portfolio

Shrieve Chemical Company, a portfolio company of private equity firm Gemspring Capital, has acquired Vertec BioSolvents, a manufacturer specializing in bio-based solvents headquartered in West Chicago, Illinois. The transaction was announced on April, 23, 2026, marking the second deal for Shrieve in just three days, following its acquisition of FIS Chemicals.

Founded in 2001, Vertec BioSolvents has developed proprietary and patented bio-based solvent blends that perform on par with or better than traditional petroleum-based solvents. The company serves diverse end markets including agriculture, home, industrial & institutional (HI&I), coatings & inks, food, and consumer brands.

This acquisition expands Shrieve’s specialty chemical portfolio and deepens its presence across multiple key sectors. Together, the combined companies aim to enhance product capabilities, broaden their portfolio, and strengthen customer and supplier relationships.

Joey Gullion, Chief Executive Officer of Shrieve, stated, “Vertec has built a strong reputation for innovative and sustainable chemistry, and we are pleased to welcome their team to Shrieve. This acquisition strengthens our ability to support customers as demand continues to shift toward more environmentally responsible solutions, and we’re excited to build on Vertec’s strong technical foundation.”

Vertec CEO George “Skip” Laubach added, “We’ve built Vertec around innovation in sustainable solvents, and joining Shrieve provides an opportunity to accelerate that work. With access to Shrieve’s broader platform, we can continue advancing our product development while expanding our reach to new customers and markets.”

Shrieve Chemical Company, based in The Woodlands, Texas, is a leading global distributor of specialized chemicals. Since its founding in 1978, Shrieve has leveraged its expertise across four operating segments—Industrial Distribution, Specialty Distribution, Specialty Lubricants, and Energy Products and Services—marketing nearly 1,500 products in over 40 countries.

Gemspring Capital, headquartered in Westport, Connecticut, manages $5.1 billion in capital and focuses on middle-market companies across various sectors including industrial and business services.

The acquisition aligns with industry trends favoring sustainable and environmentally responsible chemical solutions. By integrating Vertec’s proprietary bio-based solvent technology, Shrieve aims to capitalize on growing customer demand for greener products and expand its footprint in sectors such as food and consumer brands.

Financial details of the deal remain undisclosed. However, the transaction is expected to generate synergies through cross-selling opportunities, supply chain optimization, and combined research and development efforts. Operational integration will focus on aligning R&D capabilities and streamlining regulatory compliance.

Market analysts note that this acquisition strengthens Shrieve’s competitive position in specialty chemicals, particularly in the sustainable materials segment, and may prompt increased M&A activity among competitors seeking to enhance their sustainable product offerings.

Looking ahead, Shrieve plans to integrate Vertec’s operations while retaining key technical talent to maintain innovation momentum. The companies anticipate regulatory approvals and operational alignment to proceed smoothly, positioning the combined entity for accelerated growth in sustainable chemical solutions.